Capilano University REB Directive for Research Involving Human Participants during the Publicly-Declared Emergency (COVID-19 Outbreak)
March 20, 2020
In accordance with Article 6.21 of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – TCPS 2 (2018) and the Capilano University Research Ethics Board (the REB) Procedures for REB Review during Publicly Declared Emergencies, the REB issues the directive below to Researchers conducting research under the aegis of Capilano University involving human participants. This directive may be modified as new information emerges and will remain in place until the Publicly Declared Emergency has been suspended.
Ongoing research that has already been approved by the REB and not related to or arising from the Publicly Declared Emergency
Research involving in-person interaction shall be postponed or modified to avoid in-person interaction among participants and researchers, unless stopping the research would increase risk to participants. Ongoing research conducted face-to-face that cannot be modified to avoid in-person interaction must cease for the time being, unless ceasing such activity might pose significant risks to participant safety (e.g., ceasing the provision of an important service).
Researchers are encouraged to redesign their research to replace in-person interaction with telephone or online communication. Modifications to research design must be approved by the REB prior to implementation, unless delaying modification of research design would pose a significant and immediate risk to already-enrolled participants.
Please see the CapU REB Application for Amendment Form and contact the REB if you have questions on amending REB protocol.
Ongoing research not involving in-person interaction may continue as planned provided that Researchers employ strategies to mitigate any risks associated with the COVID 19 outbreak, where applicable.
Review of new research not related to or arising from the Publicly Declared Emergency
The REB will continue to review new applications for ethical review as time permits, giving priority to the review of applications to amend already-approved research protocol.
During the Publicly Declared Emergency, the REB will continue to review and support the development of research involving in-person interaction but such research will not be approved until after the Publicly Declared Emergency has been suspended.
Review of Research related to or arising from the Publicly Declared Emergency
New research related to or arising from the Publicly Declared Emergency will be given priority for REB review in accordance with TCPS 2 Articles 6.21-6.13, and REB Procedures for REB Review during Publicly Declared Emergencies.
To protect our participants, community, faculty and students, all research with human participants or human biological materials conducted under the auspices of Capilano University is subject to approval by our Research Ethics Board (REB). This includes research by faculty and students or by other researchers at Capilano University, and/or research that involves Capilano University employees or students.
In accord with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2, 2018), the governing principles of the Capilano University Research Ethics Board correspond with the ethical principles of Respect for Persons, Concern for Welfare, and Justice.
All research involving human participants requires compliance with Capilano University's Research Ethics Policy: Research With Human Subjects (S2002-01) and with the TCPS policy statement (TCPS 2, 2018). Research proposals must be submitted and approved by the REB before participants are recruited or data is collected.