40 - A Showcase of Dynamic Collaboration Among IRBs Within a Geographic Region

Background: : Navigating uncertainty with emerging technologies used in human research is an ongoing concern for HRPPs and IRBs. Collaboration between IRB Offices within a geographic region yields support to address questions and explore possible solutions in a local context.

Program

Description: : Within the same region, four academic institutions, three hospitals, and one blood center collaborate as part of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). This collaboration includes joint faculty appointments, shared research resources, a CTSI-specific reliance agreement, and other various partnerships between researchers and the IRBs of the institutions. Recently, the relationship between IRB Offices grew when a workgroup focused on reviewing research projects that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) was formed. In response to increases in projects using AI, one institution inquired with partnering IRB administrators for information on their processes reviewing this type of research, and the connection resulted in monthly meetings between the IRB Offices. The meetings began with an AI-specific focus, but have since developed into a mechanism to support researchers amongst the partnering institutions. Members of the workgroup meet monthly to confer on example submissions and discuss varying overlapping initiatives.

Program

Assessment: : Assessment of the workgroup has been mainly qualitative based on feedback shared amongst the group, but there are also tangible outcomes that point to its success. The reviews of various collaborative research projects have been more streamlined based on feedback from regular meetings and alignment of expectations. This effort has assisted in furthering the mission of the CTSI by lowering barriers to conducting collaborative research. The workgroup partnered to develop a guidance document for researchers seeking to utilize AI in research and for IRB members reviewing the projects. Also, several institutions adapted similar content for protocol submissions, and three implemented consistent questions within the submission forms for research involving AI. Each institution is unique in structure and populations served, which can make it difficult to align completely with one another, but workgroup members note that the information shared is beneficial regardless of the ability to implement certain practices. In addition, the workgroup has driven individual action at each institution and increased comfort with reaching out to one another for general guidance and advice.

Limitations:: A recognized limitation in drafting this abstract is that the only measurable outcomes to date relate to AI-focused initiatives given the relatively brief time since the group’s inception. In relation to limitations of the group itself, the unique nature of each institution can make it difficult to implement new processes or procedures that are in complete alignment across all partners.

Discussion: : Given the success of the workgroup in relation to building resources and infrastructure around the review of research utilizing artificial intelligence, the workgroup realized the potential impact of the group beyond this single topic. While nationwide connections and networking groups are helpful, a local IRB work group has the potential to address ongoing IRB-related issues and topics within the local context of the geographical region. The IRB workgroup brought together five IRBs in close geographic locations. It provides a platform for the partnering IRBs to share knowledge and concerns in supporting AI and collaborative research among the institutions.