Sample questions from the IRB self-evaluation survey
Enid Virago, PhD, CIP, CCRP, and Joanna Lyons, RN, DEd, developed the "Evaluation of Research Protections Programs and Committee Membership Self-Evaluation" to measure IRB member service satisfaction and performance of the HRPP. During the development of the survey, they received assistance from Michelle C. Stickler, DEd, of Virginia Commonwealth University, and Kathleen A. Hay, PhD, Connie M. Manchester, MEd, and Benjamin D. Behler, BS, of Pennsylvania State University.
The survey contains both open-ended questions and statements that can be checked off as applicable, or ranked from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." Members are also asked to check off applicable items from lists of challenges and satisfactions. The survey can be accessed through the free, open-source REDCap database.
Open-ended survey questions include the following:
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If you attend IRB meetings, how many hours, on average, do you spend per month in preparation for and follow-up to IRB meetings and other IRB-related activities, outside of the actual IRB meeting itself? Please give the average number of hours spent per month.
What IRB-related training/education topics would you most like to be provided to you personally and/or to all IRB members?
Comments you wish to share with the HRPP Protection staff to help improve your ability to function as an IRB member or to improve the effectiveness of the IRB review process.
Ranked satisfaction questions include:
The amount of time I devote to IRB service is manageable.
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Thoroughness and clarity of presentations I give as a primary or secondary reviewer.
My ability to apply relevant institutional IRB Written Policies and Procedures.
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Ability to effectively assess when a new member is ready to conduct independent reviews.
