Institutional Review Boards:

all medical research so as to appreciate the broad context of IRB work. Methods We have collected data from seven of an anticipated 10 IRBs in the form of qualitative interviews, observed and audio recorded panel meetings and redacted research study applications. We have observed a total of 14 biomedical IRB panels (two panels per institution) and conducted approximately 70 personal interviews with IRB panelists and staff members. With the collaboration of IRB staff, applications on the agenda for the two observed meetings are identified and redacted of all identifying information. The study team then reviews the applications in preparation for interviewing the panelists assigned as reviewers for the IRB meeting. In the days following the panel meeting, the reviewer(s) of each application are interviewed about their individua