Describe the Purpose of the IRB

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The Answer is The purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to protect the rights, welfare, and well-being of human subjects involved in research studies. The IRB is an ethically-based committee that has been formally designated to review, monitor, and approve biomedical and behavioral research involving humans. It acts as a safeguard to ensure that researchers follow ethical principles and comply with regulatory requirements.

Key functions of the IRB include:

1. Reviewing research protocols: The IRB examines the research design, methodology, and procedures to ensure they are ethical and that the risks to participants are minimized.

2. Assessing risk-benefit ratio: The IRB evaluates whether the potential benefits of the research justify the risks to which participants may be exposed.

3. Ensuring informed consent: The IRB ensures that participants are given comprehensive information about the study, understand what participation entails, and voluntarily consent to participate without coercion.

4. Protecting vulnerable populations: The IRB pays special attention to research involving vulnerable groups, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, or individuals with cognitive impairments, to ensure they are adequately protected.

5. Monitoring ongoing research: The IRB continues to oversee approved research projects, reviewing any proposed changes and investigating any issues or complaints that arise during the course of the study.

6. Ensuring privacy and confidentiality: The IRB ensures that researchers have plans in place to protect the privacy of participants and maintain the confidentiality of their data.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the IRB helps to maintain ethical standards in research, promote trust in the research process, and contribute to the advancement of science in a manner that respects human dignity and rights.

Describe the Purpose of the IRB

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