Process To Get IRB Approval
Process To Get IRB Approval
APPROVAL
PRO/A/CEN/CRO-001/v.1
Approved by: Signature:
Chief Medical Officer(CMO), Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and Medical Director (MD)
Original date: Revision date: Next Review Due on:
September 2018
September 2018 September 2021
This document contains information on the process to get approval from Institutional Review Board
(IRB) for research studies qualifying for full quorum review as well as for exemption.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part A:
1.0 Understanding when IRB review is needed 3
1.1 Is my project Human Subject Research (Definitions) 3
1.2 What type of IRB review is needed? 4
1.3 Decision chart to determine what type of IRB review is needed 6
Part B
2.0 How to prepare for IRB (for full quorum review as well as for exemption) 7
2.1 Prepare your study documents 7
IRB application Form 8
Template for writing synopsis 9
Template for developing informed consent 13
Conflict of interest declaration 17
Part C
3.0 Maintaining your IRB approval 19
Continuing review 19
Final Report (study completion) 19
Amendment (changes in study protocol) 19
Notifications (change of title) 19
Template for Continuing Review / Final Report 20
Sources 25
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PART A
Every research activity involving human subjects needs a prior approval from IRB, before it can be
started at SKMCH&RC. Every investigator should determine
• whether an activity is research AND involves human subjects that must be reviewed by an IRB
• whether it needs a review by full quorum IRB OR the proposed activity is exempt from full
quorum review
This section provides guidance to investigators who may be uncertain if their study meets the
definitions of human subject research. The guidance provided here is general and may not be
specific enough for particular situations.
• DEFINING RESEARCH
Research means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and
evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.
Audits and service evaluations also employs systematic and rigorous methods but these differ
from research in that audit seeks to measure existing practice against evidence based standards,
and service evaluation addresses local service issues. It is noteworthy to understand audits done
for quality assurance purposes are different from Clinical audits and outcome research.
• A human subject is defined as “a living individual about whom an investigator obtains (1) data
through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information.”
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• The definition extend to the use of human organs, tissue and body fluids from individually
identifiable human subjects as well as to graphic, written, or recorded information derived from
individually identifiable human subjects.
• “About whom” – "a human subject research project requires the data received from the living
individual to be about the person"
• Interaction" includes communication between the investigator and the subject. This includes
face-to face, mail, and phone interaction as well as other modes of communication."
• Identifiable private information “includes information about behavior that occurs in a context
in which an individual can reasonably expect that no observation is taking place,” and
“information which has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the
individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (for example, medical record).”
• “Identifiable” means the information contains one or more data elements that can be
combined with other reasonably available information to identify an individual (e.g. Medical
Record Number).
Studies based on data that are individually identifiable but are also publicly available may not
constitute human subjects research. However, the term “publicly available” is intended to refer
to record sets that are truly readily available to the broad public, such as cancer statistics data, or
federal health or educational statistics
An investigator should not assume information qualifies as “publicly available” merely because it
has been posted on an electronic website and can be accessed without authorization.
This section provides guidance to investigators to understand and determine what type of IRB
review may be needed for their research project so that investigators can prepare IRB
submission accordingly. IRB secretary or one of the designee of chairperson IRB will finally
determine what type of review is needed for a certain activity after having a look at the research
project.
• Exemption
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A subset of human subject research involving no more than minimal risk qualifies for
Exemption/ grant of exempt status. It means that the proposed research activity is exempt
from full quorum review by IRB and no further correspondence is required. A quick review by
IRB chairperson and one of his designee is required and it is completed in 2-4 weeks of
submission. This type of review is applicable when
(In this guidance document, only one category of exemption is focused which is most
commonly requested and relevant in our setting)
Investigators should not make final determination that their research is exempt. IRB is
authorized body to make final determination of exemption.
Detailed guidance is provided in section on exemption.
If your activity is research & involves living individuals about whom an investigator obtains
• data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or
• identifiable private information
It would require full quorum review by IRB in a convened meeting with a quorum present.
The studies should secure a prior Scientific Review Committee (SRC) approval.
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2.0 HOW TO PREPARE FOR IRB
1. IRB application
2. Research synopsis-hard copy & soft copy
3. Informed Consent Form-Hard copy & soft copy (English & Urdu version) for patients, if
applicable
4. Informed Consent Form-Hard copy & soft copy (English & Urdu version) for healthy
controls, if applicable
5. Questionnaire / Clinical data collection forms /interview guide as applicable -Hard copy &
soft copy, if applicable
6. Itemized budget with indication of source of funding
7. A copy of the Investigator Brochure and any other available safety information
8. Information about payments and compensation available to subjects
9. The Investigator’s current curriculum vitae
10. Conflict of interest declaration
11. Collaborator/Sponsor/Contract Research Organization undertaking (as applicable)
12. Material Transfer agreement/Collaboration Agreement/indemnity insurance
documentation, where applicable
13. Waiver of informed consent (provide written justification for waiver request)
IRB application form and other templates are provided below to help you prepare your study
documents
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IRB Application Form
Study ID:
(To be filled by CRO)
2. STUDY PERSONNEL:
1. Have the research staff the relevant training? (E.g. protocol training of co-PIs, study nurses,
GCP training etc.)
2. Are all relevant resources and protections for the research secured? (financial, staff, insurance
indemnity)
3. Are there any other parties involved in the research? What potential interests of these parties
might be in conflict?
6. How do you plan to access, store and distribute any collected biological material? If applicable.
Guidelines for Collection, Usage, Storage and Export of Human Biological Materials are
available at http://nbcpakistan.org.pk/guidelines.html
B. Setting
C. Duration:Include the frequency and duration of each activity and the total length of subject
participation.
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D. Sample Size and Sampling Techniques:If applicable, include information on stratification or
randomization plans, the maximum number of subjects you plan to recruit for this study. If
this is a multi-site study, indicate the projected total subject accrual.
G. Data analysis and statistical methods:Describe the statistical considerations for the study,
how the sample size was determined, and how the results will be analyzed, if applicable.
H. For Interviews/Focus groups:Attach copies of any scripts and/or questions that will be used
to guide the interviews/groups. Indicate the member(s) of the study team who will conduct
the interviews/focus groups and any necessary qualifications such as special training,
supervision etc.
K. When using existing data/specimen and Applying for Exemption, Describe the follwoing
• the process used to unlink the data or specimen/make it anonymized/ (the process by which
identified data is recorded in a way that individuals cannot be identified)
• the unlinking of the data/samples will not unnecessarily reduce the value of the research.
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B. INFORMED CONSENT:
Indicate the types of consent that will be involved in this study and attach copies of the informed
consent/assent document that will be used for this study.
If waiver of Informed consent is considered justified, describe with reasoning.
C. DATA PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
• How will the data for this study be collected and recorded? Describe the provisions to protect the
privacy of the individual
• Where will the research data be stored? & how it will be secured.
• Who will have access to the study records or data? Specify their name, role and affiliation.
X. References
1. IRB approval is needed, before start of data collection for any research activity. Take some time
to find out: Is your project Human Subject Research? And what type of IRB review is needed?
Comprehensive guidance is made available in research guidelines at following link:
https://shaukatkhanum.org.pk/health-care-professionals-researchers/research/research-
guidelines/. You may find following resources, helpful for making IRB application.
• Is my project Human Subject Research
• What type of IRB review is needed?
• Decision chart to determine what type of IRB review is needed
• How to prepare for IRB (for full quorum review as well as for exemption)
• Complete Application for IRB review
• Requirements for IRB submission (checklist)
• Prepare your study documents (Find Templates Below)
• Template for writing synopsis
• Template for developing informed consent
• Conflict of interest declaration
• Maintaining your IRB approval
• Continuing review
• Final Report (study completion)
• Amendment (changes in study protocol)
• Notifications (change of title, changes in study team)
2. Provide complete and accurate information. Contact clinical research office, if you need help in
completion of any section of this application.
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3. Research submissions received at clinical research office, by 5th of each month, will be reviewed
in monthly SRC and IRB meetings (generally to be planned during last week of each month).
Studies submitted after 5th each month, will be reviewed in meeting in the following month.
Many minimal risk studies are reviewed through the exempt procedures. Review of complete
submissions, which qualify for exemption, will be completed in 4 weeks. Submissions for IRB
should reach IRB office by 5th of each month, and IRB will meet on last Friday, each month.
Research team engaged in human subject research is responsible for compliance with SKMCH&RC
research guidelines (https://shaukatkhanum.org.pk/health-care-professionals-
researchers/research/research-guidelines/) and other applicable laws and regulations including that of
National Bioethics Committee (NBC) Pakistan and Drug Regulatory authority of Pakistan, DRAP
(www.nbcpakistan.org.pk). The Principal Investigator (and supervisor in case the Principal Investigator is
a trainee) is responsible for assuring all study team members review and adhere to these guidelines for
conduct of human subjects research.
Compliance requirements include approval from National Bioethics Committee (NBC), Pakistan, and
regulatory body (Drug regulatory Authority, Pakistan (DRAP) or other relevant bodies, as applicable.
Principal Investigator is responsible for keeping study records (including copies of IRB approved
proposal, information sheets and consent forms, signed consent forms, safety information, IRB
correspondence and all other important documents). These study records will be reviewed at the time
of continuing review or audits, and will be retained in clinical research office.
Name of Researcher:
Signatures of Researcher:
Date:
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TEMPLATE FOR DEVELOPING INFORMED CONSENT
You are asked to participate in a research study conducted by names of PI (and faculty
supervisor/facilitator if the PI is a student), from the departmental affiliation at Shaukat Khanum
Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center SKMCH & RC if multicenter studies then add in
collaboration with indicate the name of the Institute. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of SKMCH &
RC has reviewed this project. IRB is an independent hospital committee that safeguards the welfare and
rights of human research participants. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Please read
the information below and ask questions about anything you do not understand, before deciding
whether or not to participate.
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POTENTIAL RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS
Describe any reasonable foreseeable risks or discomforts, including physical inconveniences and their
likelihood, and explain how these will be managed. In addition to physiological risks/discomforts,
describe any reasonably foreseeable psychological, social, legal, or financial risks or harms that might
result from participating in the research.
If there are circumstances in which the researcher may terminate the study, describe them. (This refers to
situations in which the study itself may be terminated. It is not the same thing as circumstances in which
a specific subject may be withdrawn; this issue is to be discussed, if relevant.)
If there is no likelihood that participants will benefit directly from their participation in the research,
state in clear terms. For example: “You should not expect your condition to improve as a result of
participating in this research” or “This study is not being conducted to improve your condition or health.
You have the right to refuse to participate in this study.”
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ALTERNATIVES TO PARTICIPATION (if applicable)
Describe any appropriate alternative therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures that should be
considered before the subjects decide whether to participate in the study. If applicable, explain why
these procedures are being withheld. If there are no efficacious alternatives, state that an alternative is
not to participate in the study.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Any information that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified with you will
remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law. Confidentiality
will be maintained by means of describe coding procedures and plans to safeguard data, including where
data will be kept, who will have access to it, etc..
If information will be released to any other party for any reason, state the person or agency to which the
information will be furnished, the nature of the information and the purpose of the disclosure.
If activities are to be audio- or videotaped or digitally recorded, describe who will have access, if the
tapes/files will be used for educational purposes, and when they will be erased or destroyed.
In case of genetic testing study, clearly mention who will have access to the genetic testing result and
how would it be communicated.
IDENTIFICATION OF INVESTIGATORS
If you have any questions or concerns about this research, please contact (identify research personnel:
Principal Investigator, Faculty Supervisor (if student is the P.I.), and Co-Investigator, if any. Include day
phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses for all listed individuals. For some studies of greater
than minimal risk, it may be necessary to include night/emergency phone numbers.
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RIGHTS OF RESEARCH SUBJECTS
The Institutional Review Board of SKMCH & RC has reviewed this project. If you have any concerns or
questions about your rights in this study as a research subject, you should contact the Secretary,
Institutional Review Board at +92-42-35905000 Ext 4280 or mail at [email protected]
I understand the procedures described above. My questions have been answered to my satisfaction, and
I agree to participate in this study. I have been given a copy of this form.
________________________________________
________________________
Name of Subject Patient I.D
________________________________________
________________________
Signature of Subject Date
________________________________________
Name of witness and / or interpreter
________________________________________
________________________
Signature of Witness and / or interpreter
Date
______________________________________________
Signature &Employee code of person obtaining
consent
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
Conduct of researchers at SKMCH&RC needs to be of high standards and calls for declaration of conflict
of interest enabling further actions to either eliminate, reduce or manage such conflicts, as appropriate.
It is in line with hospital policy on conflict of interest.
Researchers:
All researchers must identify and declare any conflicting interests related to their research at the time of
submitting it to for review. Conflicting interests exists when professional judgment/practice concerning
a primary interest (such as patients’ welfare or the validity of research) may be influenced by a
secondary interest (such as financial gain or professional rivalry). It may arise for researchers when they
have relationship with sponsoring company (Paid or honorary position on advisory board or steering
committee, sponsorship of symposium or meting, or a travel grant), which may influence their
interpretation of efficacy of the product of the sponsor or reporting of serious adverse events.
Researchers are required to disclose such relevant information while submitting their studies via a COI
form available at the research office. Medical Director will make final determination and advice on the
matter under review.
Clinical research office will educate all reviewers and researchers to complete and submit signed conflict
of interest forms in timely manner and ensure compliance to above.
Please specify if in last two years you have accepted any of the following from any organization/ person
that may in way gain or lose financially from the results of your study
• Employment
Note: Please disclose any sponsorship/funding that you have received to help conduct of your study.
The Medical Director will evaluate such conflicts and if necessary, determine
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1. Whether the conflict is permissible in the context of proposed research
2. Whether the conflict warrants disclosure to potential participants as part of informed consent
process or
Medical director will communicate when it determines that an interest must be disclosed and/or further
managed.
It is mandatory that all researchers applying for IRB approval of their research complete this form and
submit it to clinical research office. Please tick the appropriate box
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
___________________________
Name
___________________________ ___________________
Signature Date
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3.0 MAINTAINING YOUR IRB APPROVAL
After IRB approval, you would need to maintain approval conditions. For this purpose, you would
need to continue to correspond with IRB in following cases
Study ID:
Study Title (original):
Study Title (revised):
Reason for revision:
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Institutional Review Board
Continuing Review/ Final Report (Study completion)
Title of protocol:
Investigators (with their prime roles, institutional affiliations & contact details):
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Current Status of Research project:
Check all that apply: If checking A or B below, please complete the Progress Report (see page 2) and
required additional pages. The IRB will notify you of the results of its review.
A. Enrollment of subjects began on ____________ (date) and will continue till _____________
(Please submit a copy of current Consent form)
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1. Total number of subjects enrolled since this project began:_______________________
• How many subjects have voluntarily withdrawn participation at their own request?
• How many subjects have withdrawn participation at the request of the PI?
4. Have activities involving human subjects during the past year followed procedures as described
in the approved protocol?
Yes No
If no, please specify;
5. Were any Adverse events (AEs) or Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) experienced by any study
participants?
Yes No
Yes No
If yes, please specify;
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7. Please provide relevant multicentre report, if any available. (if applicable)
List and explain any projected amendments to the research protocol since last review (for
example, change in investigators, procedures, or size of population). (Please attach copies
of all amendments made).
Attach a summary of recent literature that suggests anything new or important for
continuing the project (e.g., new reactions, new treatments, changes in risk/benefit ratios,
etc.).
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Adverse Events & Serious Adverse events in Study participants
Type of Event Study Related Not Study Possibly Study Date Reported
Related Related
e.g., (death,
thrombocytopenia,
anaphylaxis, etc.)
Total Number of Each Type of Event in the Last Year (since Last Review)
Type of Event
Total Number
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Sources
• GCP guidelines
• Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) US department of Human and health service
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