How local IRBs view central IRBs in the US
2011

How Local IRBs View Central IRBs in the US

Sample size: 46 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Robert Klitzman

Primary Institution: Columbia University

Hypothesis

How do local IRBs view centralized IRBs in the US?

Conclusion

Local IRBs are generally preferred over centralized IRBs due to their better understanding of community values and relationships with principal investigators.

Supporting Evidence

  • Local IRBs provide better local knowledge of subjects and principal investigators.
  • Interviewees expressed a strong preference for local IRBs over centralized ones.
  • Concerns were raised about the quality and effectiveness of centralized IRBs.

Takeaway

This study shows that local review boards are seen as better at understanding and protecting their communities than centralized boards.

Methodology

In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 46 IRB chairs, directors, administrators, and members.

Potential Biases

Interviewees may have been biased in favor of local IRBs due to their roles within them.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data from interviews and did not include direct observation of IRB decision-making.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 28 chairs/co-chairs, 1 IRB director, 10 administrators, and 7 members, with a gender distribution of 27 males and 19 females.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6939-12-13

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