Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit an application to the REB?
What counts as research?
How does the REB review protocols?
What research qualifies for expedited review?
Who reviews my proposal?
Who decides who reviews my proposal?
Where do I find specific information on the REB?
Why does the REB review the study budget?
How do I find out the status of my protocol application?
Where is the REB located?
What is the Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) number for this institution?
Where can I find information about the REB fee?
Do I need to submit an application to the REB?
- All research involving human subjects or confidential patient information within the University Health Network (UHN) requires approval of the UHN REB prior to the initiation of a research project.
- Investigators from other institutions who wish to carry out research on UHN premises or with UHN patients or patient data must also apply to the UHN REB.
Top What counts as research?
- The definition of research is outlined in the Tri-Council Policy Statement . In summary, human research is considered to include any of the following: if the researcher
- will administer a drug, take a blood sample, do a test or perform any procedure, clinical, therapeutic, or otherwise, upon the person of himself/herself or someone else, for research rather than treatment
- will ask people information whether by telephone, letter, survey, questionnaire or interview
- will review information from patient charts (even their own patients' charts) for research rather than clinical purposes
- will use material derived from people (tissue samples, blood, DNA)
- will be using non-public records (e.g. not the telephone book) which contain identifying information about anyone either directly or indirectly
- will use information previously gathered about anyone, even if anonymized (secondary data analysis)
- will be observing anyone's responses or behaviour, either directly or indirectly
- If you cannot determine whether an intended investigation constitutes research (for instance, quality assurance studies do not constitute research), contact the Chair of the REB or one of the Ethics Coordinators for assistance.
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How does the REB review protocols?
- In accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement , the UHN REB conducts a proportionate review of research protocols: that is, the scale of the review is in accordance with the type of research proposed and with the potential for harm that the research may pose.
Top What research qualifies for expedited review?
- Some research protocols will qualify for expedited review. The decision to expedite a research project is made by the Chair of the REB. Some of the criteria for expedited review are listed below:
- protocols involving minimal risk or protocols where there are minimal incremental risks over standard procedures
- minimal risk protocols where data are collected non-invasively such as questionnaires or direct/indirect observation
- protocols primarily using previously-collected data such as chart reviews and database information
- protocols using previously-collected tissue or other samples
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How can I expedite approval of a protocol that has been previously reviewed and approved?
- All relevant documentation should accompany the application. Submit copies of all correspondence between the investigator and the REB (or peer-review agency) that previously reviewed and approved the protocol. Do not simply submit a letter of approval-this is insufficient to judge the quality of review which took place.
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Who reviews my proposal?
- There are 5 review committees. The committee to which a certain proposal is directed for review depends on
- the subject of the research proposed
- the scientific expertise of the committee
- and, in the case of the two equivalent General Review Committees, the current workload of each committee.
- The Chair of the UHN REB, or a delegate reviews proposals qualifying for expedited review.
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Who decides who reviews my proposal?
- Decisions as to which committee receives each proposal are made by the Chair of the REB in consultation with REB Coordinators.
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Where do I find specific information on the REB?
- The REB policy statements: Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference, are the official statements of REB policy and guidelines and may provide the information you need.
- For further assistance contact the REB office at 416-581-7849 or via email at reb@uhnresearch.ca
Top How do I find out the status of my submission?
Top Where is the REB Office located?
Hydro Building, 700 University Avenue
10th Floor North, Room 10-56
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 1Z5
Why does the REB review the study budget? - According to the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCP) Article 7.3 “REBs shall examine the budgets of clinical trials to assure that ethical duties concerning conflict of interest are respected” .
- The UHN REB examines the budgets of clinical trials for very specific reasons and does this from the perspective of: feasibility, coercion, and conflict of interest. For further explanation, please see the Budget Review document.
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What is the Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) number for this institution?
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Where can I get information about the Research Ethics Board fee?
The REB fee is neither levied by the REB nor received by the REB. It is levied and collected by Research Support Services, and is used to partially offset the costs incurred by Research Support Services in providing support to the REB. Contact the UHN Grant and Services office for further details at gcs@uhnres.utoronto.ca
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