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Table 2 Views of Local IRBs Regarding CIRB Review

From: How local IRBs view central IRBs in the US

Perceived Problems and Ambivalence Concerning Local IRBs

   ▪ Problems concerning local IRBs often recognized

   ▪ But general wariness of CIRBs, and support for local IRBs

Perceived Advantages of Local IRBs

   ▪ Claims that local IRBs reflect community values

   ▪ Local knowledge of subjects

â—¦ Of vulnerable populations

â—¦ Therefore, easier to judge risks and benefits

   ▪ Local knowledge of PIs

â—¦ "Track records"/reputations

   ▪ Protecting "our own" subjects

â—¦ Perceived responsibilities to protect local patients

   ▪ "Curbside consults" with PIs

â—¦ Formal and informal

â—¦ Can facilitate mutual trust

â—¦ More dialogue

â—¦ Appreciation of local institutional culture

   ▪ Desires for local autonomy, authority, and comfort

â—¦ Against "being told what to do"

â—¦ Wariness of centralized, federal bureaucracy

Perceived Problems with CIRBs

   ▪ Differences between CIRBs

â—¦ Depends on who are members of the committee

   ▪ For-profit CIRBs may have conflicts of interest

Advantages of CIRBs

   ▪ Rarely acknowledged

   ▪ Streamlining work

â—¦ Saving Time

Disadvantages of Local IRBs

   ▪ Discrepancies can arise due to:

â—¦ Institutional culture and history

â—¦ Personalities

Local Members as Biased in Their Views of CIRBs?

Other Possible Solutions

   ▪ More guidance

   ▪ More regional IRBs?