Description:
"Canada has a fragmented regulatory approach to research involving humans. This complex regulatory environment makes it difficult for research institutions to adequately oversee the conduct of research involving humans. The University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto has implemented a systems approach as a mechanism of establishing more effective oversight for all research involving humans. An Institutional Authorization model promotes a safety culture and provides the institution with a mechanism to monitor and feedback to the leadership about system processes. This model allows research institutions to more effectively minimize risk and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies. This systems approach establishes a framework for developing a Human Research Protection Program that lends itself to accreditation consistent with what is currently in place for animal research and patient care in Canada, and ultimately allows more effective knowledge translation from research to society as a whole. Human research accreditation is a proactive and positive way to improve research quality and thus promote Canada's competitiveness."
