About the JREB study review process
There are two types of review available: full-board review and delegated review.
- Full-board review: a primary and secondary reviewer system is used so each new project is given a detailed scientific and ethical review by appointed members of the JREB with particular expertise in the study area.
- Delegated review: all research considered to be minimal risk, retrospective chart review studies or secondary analysis studies, fall within the delegated review process. In this event, the research will be reviewed by the JREB Chair in consultation with the Secretariat and, as needed, a member of the JREB to act as a second reviewer.
The risks determine the level of review. If the research poses more than minimal risk [see TCPS-2 (2022), Article 6.12], then a full-board review will be required.
Any studies that are deemed not to be research (i.e., quality improvement, quality assurance, secondary analysis) may be eligible for an exemption. Any questions surrounding the nature of a study may be directed to the JREB office for determination.
The JREB meets every six weeks throughout the year to review studies that are submitted by any partner organization or external research team.
How the JREB makes decisions
Decisions of the JREB are made through a voting process – with the final decision confirmed by the Chair. Researchers will be advised of the outcome of the review in writing.
Studies may receive the following decisions
Click on the buttons below to learn about each decision.
1. Approval
In the case of an approval with no requested revisions, the research may proceed once the Principal Investigator (PI) receives written documentation of JREB approval (1-year period minus 1 day).
2. Minor revisions required
The JREB may determine that a study requires minor changes or clarifications. Such changes must be clearly delineated at the meeting during which the JREB made its decision, so that subsequent review of the application will require verification of compliance. The Chair and Coordinator must ensure that the PI has made all changes prior to approval.
3. Major revisions required
The JREB may determine that a study requires major changes or clarifications. Such changes must be clearly delineated at the meeting during which the JREB made its decision, so that subsequent review of the application will require verification of compliance. The Chair and Coordinator, as well as the primary and secondary reviewers (at the discretion and/or need by the Chair) must ensure that the PI has made all changes prior to approval, and in cases where expertise is required, may delegate verification to a designated JREB member.
4. Rejection
In the event where an application is deemed to have substantially high-risks for participants, is presented in an inappropriate manner, is incomplete, or in the event that the PI fails to address requested changes, the JREB may determine the submission is rejected.
Questions?
Please email JREB@grandviewkids.ca.
