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Research

Expedited Review

Expedited Review

The expedited review process uses the full REC application form which is reviewed by a REC sub-group. This type of submission would apply to studies where, although information of a sensitive or personal nature may be sought, the risks to participants are considered moderate. When applying for expedited review, the researcher must consider the level of risk associated with the study and a justification must be provided to REC for why this level of review is sought. The level of risk may be influenced by the following factors:  the vulnerability of the research group; the methods used; and the nature of the research itself.

Examples of projects suitable for submission under this category include:

  • Research involving specified, REC pre-approved invasive techniques such as blood collection where standardised protocols, necessary training and appropriate supervision are in place. Many invasive techniques are not covered by such protocols.
  • Research in which participants’ personal viewpoints, attitudes or beliefs are collected and participants are identifiable; or where sensitive questions are asked that could lead participants to have strong reactions, either in the long or short term; or where private information is collected.
  • Certain types of research involving vulnerable groups or children where private information is not being collected and the topic is not sensitive. Such research should be unlikely to influence or affect the participants physically, socially, psychologically or spiritually. Examples could include asking people with intellectual disability for their views on a new product being developed for people with their condition, or asking children about an educational programme.
  • Research which requires some inconvenience or minimal time commitment from participants rather than extensive burdens or time commitments.
  • This category may be suitable for some, but not all, research projects involving participants in a dependant relationship with the researcher, such as professionals and patients; supervisors and employees; educators and students. Due account must be taken of how potential conflicts of interest will be addressed. The nature of the relationship, or the level of risk, may require that some projects of this type have full committee review.
  • Projects involving deception of the form that participants are not given a complete list of the objectives in a direct and straightforward manner, such as research requiring that the subject be naïve to some aspects of the research so that their participation can be as authentic as possible.
  • Research involving previously collected human tissues which are no longer identified but for which consent for research was not originally obtained.