What is the Research Ethics Board (REB)?
The North Bay Regional Health Centre Research Ethics Board works to protect researchers and research participants. The Research Ethics Board is made up of representatives from the hospital as well as the research community. Their objective is to ensure that all research involving human subjects is conducted according to ethical principles and procedures, and adheres to organizational, legal and regulatory ethical and scientific standards while operating in an environment sensitive to diversity.
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Why do I need Research Ethics Board approval?
Research Ethics Board approval is necessary before any research directly or indirectly involving human subjects can be started. The Research Ethics Board ensures that the research will be conducted in accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS).
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How long will it take for an application to be approved?
There are many factors involved in the process, therefore approval and the length it may take for approval depends on the nature of the project as well as when the protocol is submitted for review. Research Submissions must be made 30 days prior to the scheduled start of the study (electronic form is acceptable). Research protocols submitted to the Research Ethics Board are reviewed at the Research Ethics Board meeting on the second Friday of every month in the order in which they are received.
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What is the difference between Full and Expedited (Delegated) Review?
A full board review requires that the submitted protocol be reviewed at the monthly Research Ethics Board meeting (NBRHC Meeting: Week 2, Fridays). This involves research studies that are not considered to be minimal risk to the participants.
A delegated review can be used for a research protocol that is considered to be of minimal risk. The delegated review does not go to the full Board review at the monthly meeting nor does it have to wait for the meeting date to be reviewed. It is reviewed and approved by a smaller group of Research Ethics Board members. Please note that this does not mean that the research protocol will be reviewed any faster.
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My project has changed; do I need to submit a new request?
All protocol changes, whether major or minor, must be submitted for the approval of the Research Ethics Board prior to implementation. A Request for Ethics Approval of Amendment to an Approved Protocol Form must be completed and submitted to the North Bay Regional Health Centre Research Department.
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My research project will take longer than a year to complete. Do I have to submit a new request every year?
If your project will take longer than a year, you should indicate it on the Research Project Submission Form. However, approval will still only be valid for one year from the date of original approval. The Research Ethics Board will extend the certificate for another year upon receiving an Annual Report of an Approved Protocol Form, as long as there have been no changes made. The original research proposal must be appended to the Annual Report of an Approved Protocol form to be considered.
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What is the TCPS?
The Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS) is a document created by three major granting agencies in Canada:
- The Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
This document prescribes the guidelines for researchers using human participants in their research.
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Who should I send my request to?
All research protocols should be sent to the Research Department at: ResearchDepartment@nbrhc.on.ca
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How will I know my protocol has been approved?
Written approval is sent on hospital letterhead to the principal investigator via email and surface mail.
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How do I find out the status of my submission?
Please contact the Research Department at the at 705-474-8600, ext 3350 or ResearchDepartment@nbrhc.on.ca
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Where is the Research Department / Research Ethics Board office?
The North Bay Regional Health Centre's Research Department provides comprehensive support to the North Bay Regional Health Centre's Research Ethics Board.
Click the link below to view our location map:
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