The BC Ethics Initiative is pleased to move forward with the pilot implementation and evaluation of the harmonized ethics review model for Above Minimal Risk studies in June 2015. This represents a major milestone for the initiative in achieving efficient, coordinated, and high-quality processes that support and encourage multi-jurisdictional human health research.
Documents that will inform and assist you with new harmonized processes during the pilot phase can be accessed from the Resources tab of the bcethics.ca website. In particular, please make use of the Cover Sheet, as this will initiate discussion about which Research Ethics Boards need to review a study and will help to decide on the Board of Record.
Of course, evaluation of the model is very important to the initiative. Researchers involved in a harmonized ethics review will be contacted to participate in a short survey after the certificate of approval has been issued. BCEHI encourages participation as the data gathered through the evaluation will help gauge the effectiveness of the model and make improvements.
A news story announcing the launch of the Above Minimal Risk Model has also been published on bcethics.ca.
The Minimal Risk Model pilot has been extended for two months to July 31, 2015, to allow for the collection of more evaluation data to measure the effectiveness of the model.