Variability in institutional review board assessment of minimal-risk research.
OBJECTIVE
To examine variability in responses from institutional review boards (IRBs) to submission of a proposed minimal-risk survey.


METHODS
Identical research proposals to obtain information concerning beliefs about the needs of victims of intimate partner violence via surveys were submitted for IRB approval to three institutions in the Baltimore metropolitan area. One institution is an academic center, one is an inner-city hospital affiliated with the academic center, and the third is a suburban community hospital. The study population consisted of emergency department health care providers and individuals in emergency department waiting areas.


RESULTS
Inconsistencies emerged among the three IRBs in the review process itself, the need for participant consent, and the need for revision of the consent form and study protocol. One institution approved the proposal in 15 business days after expedited review. The second institution approved the proposal in 12 business days and waived the requirement for informed consent. The third institution approved the research in 77 business days after three revisions. Questions raised included: methodology for selecting participants; appropriateness of surveying individuals in emergency department waiting areas; a request for background literature to assure that the research questions had not already been answered; and concerns about study methodology and sample size justification.


CONCLUSIONS
In this sample, there is considerable variability in IRB processes even for minimal-risk studies.
Hirshon
Jon Mark
JM
Division of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, The Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., National Study Center for Trauma and EMS, University of Baltimore, 701 West Pratt Street, Room 548, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. jhirs001@umaryland.edu
Krugman
Scott D
SD
Witting
Michael D
MD
Furuno
Jon P
JP
Limcangco
M Rhona
MR
Perisse
Andre R
AR
Rasch
Elizabeth K
EK
D015142:Baltimore; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires