TBRHSC REB Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center (TBRHSC) REB is advising investigators to consider if their research protocols could be modified or delayed, to limit personal contacts, laboratory visits or trips into clinics and hospitals. Specifically, in some research settings in-person participant interactions could be reduced and/or replaced with telephone or online communication. Considerations include the nature of your protocol, the type of participants engaged in the research, and any additional risk that may arise by switching from in-person to virtual communication. Revised participant consents or consent addendums may be required (e.g., to update privacy considerations with use of different communication channels). While TCPS 2 typically requires review and approval of modifications prior to implementation, an exception can be made where the change is necessary to eliminate an immediate risk to participant(s) (Article 6.15). Such changes may be implemented but must be reported to the REB at the earliest opportunity (within five business days as a guide). Our Hospital's REB is following our SOP(501.002) REB Review During Publicly Declared Emergencies to continue to provide ethics review & oversight through monthly meetings and delegated reviews during this time. Please contact the Research Ethics & Authorization Office if you have any questions about any current restrictions in place around the conduct of clinical research at TBRHSC. Sincerely, Dr. Bill J. Gregorash Chair, Research Ethics Board The Research Ethics Board (REB) functions to:
- Approve, reject, propose modifications, or terminate any proposed or ongoing research
- Review and make recommendations for approval of all proposed human subject research involving TBRHSC patients, staff, physicians, students, residents, and hospital information
- Safeguard the rights, safety, and well-being of participants in clinical research
- Educate, support, and mentor researchers regarding the process of ethical review
Principles of Ethical Review:
In the context of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Guidelines on Research Involving Humans, the REB subscribes to the following ethical principles that are commonly held and valued by diverse research disciplines:
- Respect for Person
- Concern for Welfare
- Justice
Online resources are available to assist the researcher with the development and submission of research protocols and study documents. Direct links have been provided for REB Forms that can be completed by the researcher, including the REB Application. As a result of feedback from researchers and REB members standardized tools for the pre-screening and formal review of all projects submitted to the TBRHSC REB have been posted for researchers to access in an effort to increase transparency of the review process. These forms can also be used by researchers filling out an REB application to assist them in ensuring they have met the requirements as listed. The REB Application Process including meeting dates is also available for the upcoming year.
For further information about Research Ethics Board submissions, please contact: TBR_REO@tbh.net All research applications must also be registered by contacting
researchprogram@tbh.net. The Research Program helps the researcher acquire research training and approvals for resources.
What's New
LU / TBRHSC REB Reciprocity Agreement
TBRHSC has entered into a reciprocity agreement with Lakehead University (LU) that impacts the process of research ethics review for all new studies requiring review by the TBRHSC REB and/or the LU REB. The TBRHSC REB and LU REB will each review certain types of studies. Which REB performs the review will not necessarily be determined by the site at which the study is to be performed. To ensure the appropriate application is completed, please contact either research ethics office (REO) for guidance prior to starting your application and visit our Application Process page. TBRHSC REO:
807-684-6422 LU REO:
807-343-8934 2021-2022 Membership List (as of February 2022)
The Research Ethics Board is pleased to present the current REB membership list. Updates to the membership list will be provided once new members have been appointed.
2021-2022 Membership List (as of February 2022) REB Contact information:
The Research Ethics & Authorization Office is the administrative gateway to submit applications to the Research Ethics Board. All communications regarding the research ethics review process should be directed to the
TBR_REO@tbh.net. Research Ethics Office Telephone #:
807-684-6422
