Extending the Olive Branch: Enhancing Communication and Trust Between Research Ethics Committees and Qualitative Researchers

Abstract

Using data from a study of qualitative researchers' experiences with ethics review and our own lens as both researchers and REB/IRB members, we explore the ethics review process and provide recommendations for improvements. Our findings suggest that the review process would benefit from a strengthened trust relationship between REB/IRBs and qualitative researchers that would require a commitment from both sides. Regarding REBs/IRBs, increased transparency of the review process, consistent application of federal guidelines, and a more collaborative review approach may improve the trust of qualitative researchers. Regarding researchers, approaching ethics review as a form of academic peer review, similar to other types of assessments of scholarly products such as grants and publications, may promote the integration of ethics review as an intrinsic part of the research process. Recognizing that responsibility for ethical research is a shared goal of both researchers and REB/IRBs, improved collaboration and constructive interaction can assist in understanding each other's perspective and work toward the development of mutual trust and respect.