Protecting Research Subjects During a Pandemic.

ABSTRACT

This commentary discusses twelve stories in which people who are involved in institutional review board (IRB) administration or serve as IRB members tell the stories of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their work and lives. Among the aspects of these stories it highlights are the need to focus on the well-being of the institution's employees, and how issues involving protecting vulnerable subjects might relate to current policy debates about underserved communities. The final portion of this commentary focuses in particular on how one might measure success for a program in protecting its research subjects during a pandemic.