Research Ethics Board
The Mount Sinai Hospital Research Ethics Board (REB) oversees all research involving human subjects conducted under the auspices of Mount Sinai Hospital to ensure that such research meets the highest scientific and ethical standards in order to protect patients, investigators and the institution.
In total, the Board is responsible for approving and monitoring an estimated 300 new studies each year involving human subjects as well as monitoring ongoing studies lasting in excess of one year.
Overarching Principles of Ethical Review
Ethics are principles of right conduct guiding "what ought to be done". In the context of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Guidelines on Research Involving Human Subjects, the Board subscribes to the following ethical principles that are commonly held and valued by diverse research disciplines:
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Respect for human dignity
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Respect for free and informed consent
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Respect for vulnerable persons
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Respect for privacy and confidentiality
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Respect for justice and inclusiveness
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Balancing harms and benefits
All research involving human subjects within Mount Sinai Hospital (MSH) requires approval of the MSH Research Ethics Board prior to the initiation of a research project. The MSH REB has similar responsibility for investigators from other institutions who may wish to carry out research on Mount Sinai Hospital premises or with Mount Sinai Hospital patients.
In the event that an investigator cannot determine whether an intended investigation constitutes research (for instance, quality assurance studies do not constitute research), the investigator should approach the Research Ethics Board office for such a determination by calling 416-586-4875. Providing such consultation on ethics matters is part of the responsibility of the Board.
