Which level of ethical review is the highest for a research study?

The highest level of ethical review for a research study is the full board review. This type of review involves a committee of individuals who thoroughly evaluate the research proposal, assessing the ethical implications, potential risks to participants, and the adequacy of the proposed measures to protect participant welfare. A full board review is typically required for studies that involve more than minimal risk to participants or that deal with sensitive topics where participant safety and confidentiality are critical.

In contrast, expedited reviews involve a quicker process, usually applicable to research that poses minimal risk and falls into specific categories laid out by regulations. Minimal risk refers to studies that pose no more risk than participants encounter in their daily lives, which may qualify for expedited review rather than full board consideration. Special circumstances might refer to unique situations in research, but they do not inherently indicate a higher level of ethical review. Therefore, the full board review is considered the most rigorous due to its comprehensive evaluation process, ensuring the highest ethical standards are maintained in research studies involving human subjects.