Ethical Issues in Human Experimentation Ethical Issues in Human Experimentation The Role of the IRBThe Role of the IRB
The IRB is an administrative body established to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of the institution with which it is affiliated. The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove all research in its jurisdiction. Research that has been reviewed by an IRB may be subject to review and disapproval by the institution. However, the institution may not approve research if it has been disapproved by the IRB.
JurisdictionJurisdiction
Basically, all research involving human subjects– Research: “ a systematic investigation designed to
develop or contribute to generalizeable knowledge.”– Human subject: “living individual(s) about whom an
investigator obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information.”
Composition of the IRBComposition of the IRB
At least five members, not all of the same gender Varying backgrounds, to promote complete and
adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution– at least one “scientist”– at least one “non-scientist”– at least one not affiliated with the institution
No IRB may consist entirely of members of one profession
UM StructureUM Structure
Medical School (IRB-MED) Health Sciences (IRB-HEALTH)
– Dentistry, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work
Behavioral Sciences (IRB-BehavSci)– LSA, Architecture, Education, ISR
UM Dearborn UM Flint
Why are IRBs Necessary?Why are IRBs Necessary?
• Nuremberg Trials/Code• Tuskegee syphilis study• Willowbrook study• Jewish Chronic Disease Hospital study• Radiation tests on mentally impaired boys• More contemporary problems
IRB Guiding PrinciplesIRB Guiding Principles
• Derived from the Belmont Report– Respect for persons (autonomy)– Beneficence– Justice
• Full text of Belmont Report available via
www.irb.research.umich.edu
AutonomyAutonomy
• Respect for persons: Individuals who are autonomous should be treated as such, and persons who are not autonomous should be protected
– Application: informed consent
BeneficenceBeneficence
• Beneficence: Individuals should avoid harming others, and should attempt in their actions to maximize possible benefits and minimize harms
– Application: risk/benefit assessment
JusticeJustice
• Justice: Fairness in distribution of the burdens and benefits of research
– Application: selection of subjects
www.irb.research.umich.edu
• Choose the appropriate IRB• Download forms
– initial application– modifications– renewals– adverse event reports
• Links to other research/ethics sites
Stay TunedStay Tuned
Regulations change often; even regulatory agencies
Requirement that all “key personnel” will have some training in research ethics / human subjects protection (Oct 1, 2000)– may lead to testing/certification
IRB-MED x 4?
Research using AnimalsResearch using Animals
Links from IRBMED site– Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM)– UCUCA forms (University Committee for the Use
and Care of Animals); applications and regulations