What does an expedited review involve?

An expedited review involves a thorough evaluation by the IRB chairperson or designated reviewers, rather than requiring the full committee to assess the research proposal. This type of review is typically applied to studies posing minimal risk to participants and can include research activities that qualify under specific categories outlined by federal regulations.

The purpose of an expedited review is to streamline the approval process for studies that are considered low-risk while still ensuring that ethical standards are upheld. The designated reviewers are responsible for critically assessing the proposal to ensure participant safety and adherence to ethical guidelines, even though a full IRB convened meeting is not required.

In contrast, a complete review by the entire IRB involves a comprehensive deliberation and discussion among the full committee, which is reserved for studies that are more complex or present greater risks. Additionally, expedited reviews do not bypass ethical considerations, as they still require thorough evaluations in line with ethical standards. Conducting reviews only on weekends is not a standard practice for expedited reviews; timing is not a characteristic that defines the review process itself.