What is a key characteristic of studies that may qualify for expedited IRB review?

Studies that qualify for expedited Institutional Review Board (IRB) review typically involve minimal risk to subjects and are often related to specific categories outlined by regulatory bodies. One of the key characteristics of these studies is that they may focus on previously collected data or involve research procedures that present no more than minimal risk to participants.

When research utilizes existing data that has already been collected, as specified in the chosen answer, it often can be conducted without the additional burdens associated with full IRB review. This is because using data that does not involve new interventions or direct participant interaction generally mitigates risks related to privacy and consent, which are major concerns for IRB review processes. Thus, studies focusing on previously collected data can efficiently advance research while still adhering to ethical standards, making them suitable for expedited review pathways.

In contrast, studies involving extensive interviews or greater than minimal risk would likely necessitate a more comprehensive review process to ensure participant safety and ethical considerations are properly addressed. Similarly, while studies that yield generalizable knowledge are valuable, they are not, by themselves, a determining factor for expedited review unless they involve minimal risk and other qualifying characteristics.