The JREB is excited to share updates on new initiatives and important notifications with the research community through a quarterly newsletter.
Recent Accomplishment
As of the fall of 2023, the JREB is officially a three-institution JREB, welcome Grandview Kids as a partner. The Ontario Shores – Abilities Centre – Grandview Kids JREB is responsible for reviewing and ensuring high scientific and ethical merit for all research conducted by staff at each institution, as well as research involving each institution’s participants.
On November 3rd, Ontario Shores, Abilities Centre, and Grandview Kids held an official partnership event, setting the stage for a new era in healthcare research. See the announcement here.
Current Initiatives
We are currently in the process of revising our current templates, including the protocol template – this will outline all required sections, along with suggested statements and other inclusions. This template will be streamlined and updated for researcher guidance to ensure a more efficient review.
The JREB will also be reviewing the current application for all research, and may create an abbreviated application form for minimal risk research. If you have seen application forms that you like, or have feedback on the current application form, please contact us via email at your earliest convenience.
Engagement Opportunities
We are seeking someone with your expertise. Sometimes we receive applications that require in-depth knowledge related to methods or populations that are not available on our current board. If you are interested and available, please let us know if you are willing to serve as an occasional ad-hoc reviewer (approximately once per year). As an ad-hoc reviewer, you would be asked to review all application materials in the context of the TCPS2, and provide major comments, minor comments, and collegial comments. The turn around time is usually 2 weeks, but exceptions can be made.
We look forward to hearing from you regarding your interest and expertise.
Questions from the Researchers
Each newsletter, the JREB Office will include common questions researchers have. We encourage you to submit any questions you may have, or topics you’d like to more information about for inclusion in future newsletters.
Q: What do I have to submit in my application package?
A: Throughout the years, requirements for JREB application packages have evolved.
What to include: Application form (TAHSN), protocol, consent form(s), recruitment material, surveys/questionnaires, scales/assessments, external REB approval information, and all other patient-facing materials or applicable documentation.
What not to include: Checklists (designed for research reference), researcher certificates (i.e., TCPS2) that have been previously sent to the JREB, hard-copy materials (the JREB requires electronic only), and cover letters.
Reminders and Tips
As we work through updating the application form and protocol templates, we strongly encourage you to copy and paste information from your protocol into the application form to reduce the risk of inconsistencies in the application. This also reduces confusion amongst the reviewers, and makes for shorter reviews.
We look forward to hearing from you, and to supporting one another in our joint effort of protecting participants who engage in high quality research projects.
Dr. Shilpa Dogra, Chair
Emma Markoff, Coordinator
Ontario Shores – Abilities Centre JREB
researchethics@ontarioshores.ca
905-430-4055 x6004