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Research institutions occasionally have studies that involve a population or topic that brings up issues of social injustice, such as studies involving war refugee populations or pediatric HIV foster children.
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Research in environmental sciences, engineering and related fields can raise unique ethical issues that may be unfamiliar to many IRBs, particularly when it comes to community-based research.
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When reviewing cancer clinical trials, IRBs must weigh the risks and benefits to potential participants. But it's not always clear what participants themselves consider to be a risk or a benefit of their enrollment in a study.
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Sometimes an IRB's caseload grows so big and complex that new processes have to be implemented or the workload is unmanageable.
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If an IRB's policy and procedures manual needs updating, it might be time to write or revamp the section on criteria for review.
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Involving a disability community in research from its inception can help shape the research so that it's more successful and addresses the community's needs better.
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When seeking treatment for seizures, a woman wound up permanently disabled by an extreme and potentially fatal allergic reaction to prescribed medications. In a malpractice action brought on her behalf by her mother, three hospitals were found guilty of mismanaging the woman's medications, failing to properly respond to her symptoms, and failing to provide the treatment necessary to prevent permanent damage.
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In addition to the all the security precautions a hospital can take in anticipation of a shooting or other emergency, don't forget one important strategy: Get to know the local police.
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On Aug. 24, 2012, a jury awarded the family of a 17-year-old girl with cerebral palsy upward of $100 million in damages and found that the birth hospital's negligence in caring for her pregnant mother caused premature birth and permanent brain injuries.
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An extra year to prepare to meet meaningful use requirements was welcome news with the release of the 2012 final rule for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Health Record Incentive Program (meaningful use).
