What may delay the review and/or approval of a research protocol?
A. Frequently, protocols are approved during the initial IRB review. When protocols do not receive approval, however, it is usually because the IRB needs clarification and/or additional information. Some of the more common omissions are listed below. Not following the guidelines for writing the protocol – The guidelines provide guidance as to the basic information required in the protocol. The narrative guidelines can be found in the Study Designer page within IRBNet from the Forms and Reference Library drop-down menu. Bear in mind that some of the members of the IRB may not be familiar with the area of your research. Therefore, the protocol should be written with sufficient clarity and detail that a person with no background in your field would understand the research. Do not assume that “everyone knows that…” Not proofreading the protocol – The majority of problems in a protocol can be detected by proofreading. Missing PI and/or Faculty Sponsor signatures – According to the Chair of
