Reasons for IRB Delays
The following are the most common issues that can lead to IRB application delays. Avoid these to ensure timely processing of your application and quicker approval.
1. Not following the instructions in the application or on the IRB webpage
2. Not providing required attachments (e.g., informed consent form, survey instruments, questionnaires, etc.)
3. Not following the current UCR Informed Consent Guide
4. Including inconsistent information between the IRB application and the consent form
5. Not describing the plan for storing sensitive research data
6. Not describing an adequate plan for documenting the informed consent process in research notes
7. Not providing information that is requested after review
8. Not writing consent forms in the second person (e.g. correct format: “You are invited to be a part of a study…”)
9. Misunderstanding the federal definition of Minimal Risk research
10. Providing incomplete grant or funding information
11. Failing to provide letters of permission (access letters) from external sites involved in the research
12. Not completing the Human Subjects Protection Course for all those involved in the research
13. Forgetting to provide names or signatures on the last page of the application
14. Grammar or spelling errors
15. Submitting the application before contacting the IRB office to discuss research ethics issues
