47 - Tracking non-Protocol Review-related HRPP activities

Background: HRPP staff conduct various HSR related activities that are outside of protocol review; however, these activities, are not often tracked. Staffing and resources for HRPPs are based on the number of protocol reviews. This study aims to quantify the non-protocol review related activities performed by HRPP staff.

Program

Description:  We tracked workday activities of three HRPP administrators across five program components from 01/26/2024 to 09/13/2024. These components included: (1) HSR regulatory consultations, (2) HSR regulatory education and trainings, (3) quality assurance review, (4) primary or collaborative research activities within the HSR ethics space, and (5) program outreach for internal and external audiences.

Program

Assessment: Of the 540.5 total hours dedicated to components beyond HSR protocol review, 41.35% of hours were dedicated to HSR consultations, 24.51% of hours were dedicated to outreach, 14.99% of hours were dedicated to HSR education and training, 12.77% of hours were dedicated to quality assurance review, and 6.38% of hours were dedicated to primary/collaborative research. From these findings it can be concluded that of the five program activity components assessed, the HRPP studied dedicated the greatest proportion of activity, outside of scientific and ethical protocol review, towards HSR consultations and program outreach.

Limitations: One limitation for this analysis concerns the measurement procedure being conducted by HRPP leadership members for whom activity was assessed, creating the potential for researcher bias. Another potential limitation concerns the fact that not all HRPP members were included in activity tracking for the non-protocol review activities assessed. Analysis of activity data from collateral-duty HRPP members could have contributed to a more comprehensive time description of HRPP activities across all employment areas and classifications.

Discussion:  Analysis of activity data from collateral-duty HRPP members have contributed to a more comprehensive time description of HRPP activities across all employment areas and classifications. Still, the present analysis provides novel insight into HRPP prioritization of non-review program components as a proxy for understanding HRPP outcomes-of-interest. Future research should aim to assess the degree to which institution type, institution size, and resource availability influence the selection and prioritization of program activities and outcomes.