A Scoping Review of Empirical Research on Research Ethics Board Membership and Expertise

Abstract

REB membership and its local idioculture play a key role in the decisions made. Little evidence exists as to what composition of membership expertise and training creates the conditions for a board to be most effective. This scoping review of the empirical research on REB membership and expertise aims to outline what evidence has been gathered and what gaps exist. Our main research question was: What empirical research exists on how research ethics boards (REBs) identify and train members and ensure they have adequate expertise to review research protocols? We found a small and diverse body of literature from around the world. We summarized findings in four themes: scientific expertise, ethical, legal and regulatory training and expertise, diversity of identity and perspectives, and engagement with research participant perspectives. Studies reviewed identified issues for all aspects of membership expertise and training. Further work is needed to establish best practices.

Keywords: IRB performance/Quality/Assessment/Evaluation; federal policies/Guidelines/Office of human research protections; other; research ethics; research ethics committee/IRB review.