AAHRPP released results of metrics of IRB cycle times for its member institutions in July 2010 for the first time. Baystate demonstrated better-than-average cycle times for 4 of the 5 measures, with only the overall cycle time for convened board reviews needing improvement.

According to Karen Christianson, Director, Baystate's Human Research Protection Program, reliable BMC data was made possible by the implementation of IRBNet in late 2009. She cautions, however, "In reviewing the comparison data from AAHRPP, keep in mind that AAHRPP members are diverse in organization type, size, and complexity so the comparison is not 'apples to apples'.”

Since this comparative data became available, Baystate's HRPP has made multiple adjustments that are expected to improve their cycle time. They will track the effect of any such changes and publish results semi-annually on eWorkplace.

This article was published in the January 2011 Academics@Baystate newsletter.