Not blogging, trying to get studies approved

Everyone agrees--IRB members, investigators, administrators: It is not satisfying to delay research. So why do we?

Investigators
Either lack of qualified research staff (high turnover or no money to hire/retain) or interest to learn what IRBs want and ask for. They can make significant life-saving scientific discoveries, but they do not know how to submit an IRB application, respond to questions from the IRB, or simply have a general irritation towards the IRB which is reflected in their effort. Sloppiness leads to delay.

IRB members
Like investigators, overworked and limited resources. High turnover, little training for members. Terrible questions. Poor reviews such that upon first or second review, significant issues aren't raised and after three years of approval, major questions are asked. The current IRB gets blamed for mistakes and sloppiness of the past IRB, which may now have different and/or better trained members.

Chief Executive
Despite the spin, money talks. Inadequate resources are allocated to administrative IRB infrastructure, including investigator support and training, IRB staffing, IRB member training, and technology. Listen to your advisers, investigators, IRB members! But instead they are ignored and the system suffers from lack of action and mismanagement. No recognition that an efficient IRB will result in improved recruitment of top faculty and increased research money into the institution.

Back to work!