Purpose of Review All research studies involving use of nursing time, effort, and/or resources at UCLA Health System sites including as subjects, investigators, clinical care providers or data or specimen collectors, require nursing review and approval by the Research and Innovation Council (RIC; formerly Nursing Practice Research Council [NPRC]) to assure that the rights and welfare of patients and nurses are protected. The RIC reviews research proposals for scientific merit and feasibility of implementation at UCLA Health.
Distinguishing Standard Practice and Research-Related Procedures
- STANDARD PRACTICE procedures requires no additional monitoring, administrations, collections or handling beyond routine care for patients.
- RESEARCH-RELATED procedures are those that are not part of routine care, but are instead performed specifically for a study (e.g. requires additional data or specimen collection, study drug administration, and/or special handling).
Meeting Schedule and Submission Deadline Research study reviews are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Applications must be received at least two weeks prior to the meeting in order to be placed on the agenda. The nursing review may be conducted prior to or in parallel with IRB review. Both nursing review and IRB approval must be obtained prior to starting the study.
Exemptions from RIC Study Review Include:*
- Studies where nurse involvement is limited to nurses whose primary employment is within the nursing team
- Study coordinator
- Studies utilizing the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) Nursing Services
- Studies using only nursing resources outside of the UCLA Health System (e.g., a collaborative project with Cedars Sinai)
- Studies conducted at County facilities that partner with UCLA (e.g., Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center)
* This may not be the only determination necessary to conduct your project. The Investigator remains responsible for determining that necessary approvals are in place for the project to proceed.
Application Submission To begin the process, please do the following:
- Complete and submit the Research Study Application (Appendix A) and supporting documents by following the form prompts
- Please submit a copy of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval letter once it has been received
- Only completed applications will be reviewed
Study Review Approval of research proposals will be dependent on the following criteria:
1. The problem is relevant and timely. 2. The research design is appropriate and can be conducted on the desired unit/area. 3. The rights and safety of patients and staff have been adequately safeguarded. 4. There is potential benefit to patients, staff, or the nursing profession. 5. The study will not interfere with or compromise existing programs of care. 6. The study is feasible in terms of staff time, space, and/or materials required. 7. There is a plan to share the study results with the nursing staff and appropriate others. 8. Documented approval by the Institutional Review Board of the OHRPP.
The RIC will communicate the outcome of the initial review and any requests to investigator(s) within one-week after the meeting. Following nursing review, both a summary of the study and recommendation are sent to leadership for approval. Once the CNE or designee reviews the research proposal, the RIC will inform the investigator(s) in writing of the decision, including Council recommendations and/or stipulations.
Progress Reports Studies will be monitored through annual progress reports. We believe dissemination of new knowledge to our staff is a vital component of our continued commitment to heal humankind through the application of evidence-based knowledge. Once the study nears completion, the investigator(s) will be invited to present the results at selected nursing department venues.
Links and Resources
Contact If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Pamela Miller at [email protected] or submit a consultation request.
Updated 3/7/21
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