In what type of studies might expedited review be appropriate?

Expedited review is an important mechanism used by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to streamline the approval process for certain types of research that present minimal risk to participants. This is particularly relevant in studies involving activities that are already standard care practices or have low-risk interventions. The focus of expedited review is to ensure that research can proceed efficiently while still upholding ethical standards and safeguarding participants' well-being.

The correct response emphasizes that expedited review is suitable for minimal risk research or studies that engage in standard care practices. Such studies typically do not require extensive review processes because the potential for harm is low, and they often involve procedures that participants would normally encounter in their everyday healthcare settings. This allows researchers to obtain timely approval without compromising participant safety, reflecting a balanced approach to ethical oversight.

This understanding of expedited review aligns with the regulatory framework provided by the federal regulations governing human subjects research, which outlines criteria for studies that qualify for expedited review to ensure that the ethical review is both efficient and compliant with necessary guidelines.