About the HealthEast Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Community hospitals and clinics provide unique opportunities for research, utilizing a patient population different from more academic settings. However, just as in an academic setting, protection of the rights and safety of research subjects is critical.

The HealthEast Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews proposed research activities, ensuring that the rights and welfare of research participants are protected. Board members are volunteers from the East Metro community and HealthEast employees. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month.

The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove research activities involving human subjects. All proposed research using HealthEast facilities, patients or staff is subject to review prior to implementation.

Before submitting an IRB application, the investigator must:

• Obtain HealthEast Research and Education department approval
• Obtain approval from the relevant HealthEast site administrator(s)
• Develop a budget, ensuring any needed funding
• Complete human subjects research education

Recently approved IRB studies

• Minnesota Medicaid Incentives to Prevent Diabetes
  Christopher Restad, MD

• ODYSSEY Trial
  Les Forgosh, MD

• Validation of Bindex Bone Ultrasonometer for Osteoporosis Diagnostics
  Christine Simonelli, MD

• The Patient Perception of Caring (Caritas Consciousness) and Healing Presence in an Optimal Healing Environment
  Emily Nowak, PhD, RN