When might an expedited review by an IRB be appropriate?

An expedited review by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is appropriate in situations involving potential benefits or emergencies. This process allows for a quicker assessment of research protocols that may present urgent needs, such as studies evaluating treatments for serious conditions or situations where immediate access to interventions could significantly impact patient outcomes. For example, if a study aims to test a new medication that could treat a life-threatening illness, the IRB may determine that expedited review is warranted to facilitate timely participant access and potentially save lives.

In contrast, while significant funding, low-risk research, or already enrolled participants can influence the nature of the IRB’s review process, they do not inherently necessitate an expedited review. The critical factor in considering rapid review is the urgency and ethical implications related to potential benefits associated with the research, particularly in emergency scenarios.