» General Information - Frequently Asked Questions
» Step 1. How to Submit a Protocol for Scientific Administrative Review (SAR)
» Step 2. How to Submit a Protocol for RIRC/IRB Review
General Information
Q: Why is the Scientific Administrative Review (SAR) process required?
A: The SAR process provides feedback to the investigator and the RIRC regarding the accuracy and completeness of their protocol. Components of the submission may be reviewed in varying detail based on the scope and complexity of the study. For example, a complex, investigator-initiated study may be reviewed for:
- overall study design
- statistical methods and analysis
- data collection and management
- recruitment/data sources
- appropriate medical science
- ability to prove hypothesis
- financial, budgetary, and contractual issues
- clinical implementation at QMC
- interdepartmental logistics
- human subject research ethics
If you have further questions about the SAR process, contact Henry Sweeney at 808.537.7825
Q: Why is the Research and Institutional Review Committee (RIRC/IRB) review process required?
A: The Research and Institutional Review Committee (RIRC):
- ensures that human subject research activities are conducted in a way that fulfills all moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities
- considers research protocols in the context of patient protection by evaluating the risks and benefits of each study, the completeness and clarity of informed consent, and compliance with other regulatory requirements
If you have further questions about the RIRC/IRB review process, contact Rebecca Ohta at 808.547.4512
Q: Is SAR required for renewals, amendments, or revisions to currently active protocols?
A: No, SAR is only required for new protocol submissions. Renewals or amendments of the protocol can be submitted directly to the RIRC.
Q: What is the difference between a proposal and a protocol?
A: A proposal is a general scientific study plan and is usually part of a grant application addressing the overall subject the sponsor wishes fund. A protocol is a detailed scientific study plan usually very specific and describes who is going to do what, when, and where. (See a sample protocol template.)
Q: I would like to submit a grant application to a funding agency, such as the Hawai'i Community Foundation, the Queen Emma Research Fund, or the National Institutes of Health. What do I need to do?
A: You will need to determine the scope, projected cost and duration of your research study. You will then need to locate grant opportunities and begin the application process.
We can assist in the location and preparation of grant applications. If you would like assistance, contact Jennifer Kimbell at 808.585.5268