Conducting Science in Disasters: Recommendations from the NIEHS Working Group for Special IRB Considerations in the Review of Disaster Related Research

Conclusion The burgeoning field of disaster research has placed greater demands on IRBs to ensure that the welfare and rights of human research subjects are protected during disaster studies. The review of disaster research protocols requires new tools and training for IRBs to assure the protection of disaster survivors from research-related harms. These recommendations are currently being evaluated and prioritized by NIH officials to determine the process for moving forward with implementation. Although disaster research conducted during response may be challenging, IRBs can play useful roles in achieving careful, balanced, thoughtful procedures that both consider the value of the research to advance science and reduce suffering—and that also consider the potential for harm based on the unique vulnerabilities of disaster survivors in a disaster aftermath. Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge their fellow members of the NIEHS Best Practices Working Group Steering Committee: B. Clark, J. “Chip” Hughes, S. Phillips, C. Philput, D. Resnik, and D. Wendler. They also acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals who provided assistance to the project: D. Abramson, L. Baker, C. Bebelle, P. Cacioppo, M. Chien-Hale, L. Close, F. Daniels, C. Edwards, B. Elmore, C. Garrard, M. Hanna-Attisha, B. Hoffman, K. James, M. Justice, M. Kudumu, J. Lambert, E. Lee, E. O’Connell, R. Stephens, M. Stewart, V. Timmons, E. Walter, P. Windsor, C. Wladyka, and F....
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Brief Communication Source Type: research