What role does an Institutional Review Board play in research involving human subjects?

• A. Approves funding for research studies.
• B. Reviews protocols to protect participants' rights and welfare, ensure informed consent, risk minimization, and privacy protections; ongoing oversight.
• C. Assigns clinical duties to researchers.
• D. Publishes study results in journals.

Answer: (B)

The main role of an Institutional Review Board is to protect people who participate in research by reviewing protocols to safeguard their rights and welfare. The IRB evaluates how participants will be recruited, how informed consent will be obtained and documented, and how risks will be minimized relative to potential benefits. It also checks that privacy and confidentiality protections are in place and that subject selection is fair and appropriate, including extra safeguards for vulnerable populations. Beyond initial approval, the IRB provides ongoing oversight through continuing reviews, monitoring for adverse events, approving protocol amendments, and ensuring ongoing compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

Funding decisions, assigning clinical duties, and publishing results fall outside the IRB’s remit. Funding is handled by sponsors or grant mechanisms, clinical duties are determined by the research team and institution, and publication is the responsibility of the researchers and journals.