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  • Protocol Activation Model Leads to Reduction in Time-to-IRB Approval

    A large cancer research institution in New York City overhauled its protocol review process, devised a library of scientific terms commonly used in consent forms, and invested in more staff. Within a couple of years, the updated process resulted in a striking reduction in the median time for protocol and consent review by the IRB. Time-to-IRB approval decreased from 135 days in 2017 to 80 days in 2018.

  • Consent Calendar for Continuing Reviews Can Save IRB Meeting Time

    The consent calendar is a century-old tool, but it can work well in saving time during IRB meetings. Typically, IRBs review each study up for continuing review, discussing and voting for each, separately. But that might not be the most efficient way to handle these on the board meeting agenda.

  • IRB Devises Efficient, Time-Saving Annual Review Process

    Continuing review might have gone away for many studies, but a research protection program’s responsibilities have not. This is why many IRBs have devised an alternative annual review process that combines workflow efficiency with enhanced research protection. One model for this regular review is an annual status report. Minimum risk, expedited review, and some additional studies do not need to go through the annual continuing review by the IRB, but they can be monitored through this review.

  • IRBs Can Work on Ground Floor With Start-Up Technology Firms

    New companies using cutting-edge technology can enter the research arena, but they might lack resources and a knowledge base that academic research organizations take for granted. IRBs can help companies fill some of those knowledge and experience gaps by forming a collaborative relationship and working with them from the beginning of the study design process.

  • New Tech Research Raises Ethical Challenges for IRBs and Investigators

    Some new technology companies that are developing novel human subjects research face challenges and design issues that have never been explored. Companies engaging in cutting-edge technological services and solutions can raise public concerns for what they do on the business side, but there is less public awareness of privately funded research.

  • HHS Aims to Ease Administrative Burdens for Clinicians

    Detailed report calls for less time on entering data into electronic records, more time with patients.

  • Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Management on a Restricted Diet

    Supplementation with 30 mL of apple cider vinegar combined with a restricted calorie diet may decrease body weight, body mass index, and serum triglyceride levels in people with obesity.

  • Are Epidural Steroid Injections Cost-Effective?

    In a retrospective review of patients treated for low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy at the Cleveland Clinic, at three- and six-month follow-up, epidural steroid injections were no better than conservative therapies in quality of life measures or overall cost of medical care.

  • Mindfulness Interventions for ADHD: Neurobiologic Antidote?

    The current standard of care consists of behavioral interventions and stimulant medication; however, symptoms often are recalcitrant to these therapies and medication treatment has significant potential for undesirable effects. Functional neuroimaging studies support the premise that functional connectivity abnormalities in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder brains may be targeted directly and improved by mindfulness and meditation interventions.

  • Cavum Septum Pellucidum and Cavum Vergae: Markers of Chronic Brain Injury?

    A cohort study assessing participants from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study found that the presence of cavum septum pellucidum and cavum vergae is associated with lower regional brain volumes and lower cognitive performance.