Member, IH Research Ethics Board

Volunteer Opportunity
Interior Health has an opening for a 1 – 2 members knowledgeable in ethics on their Research Ethics Board. The board meets monthly to review medical and social science research and ensure that the rights of research participants, who are often patients, are protected and respected.

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Lead Organization/Department
Interior Health – Research Ethics Board

Aim
The Research Ethics Board provides independent multi-disciplinary ethical review of human research involving Interior Health (IH) facilities or programs; conducted by IH staff or medical staff; or involving IH staff, students, patients or persons in care as participants.
The Patient Partner fills a critical role as a member with knowledge of ethics. The primary role of the member knowledgeable in ethics is contribute to REB meeting discussions by both identifying and addressing ethical issues.  

Level of Engagement
This opportunity is at the level of collaborate on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will work together with you to formulate solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

Eligibility
• An interest in and understanding of health research
• A balance of ethics theory, practice and experience obtained through post graduate education and\or certifications and ideally serving on ethics committees not necessarily a research ethics committee.
• It is expected that the volunteer will attend the monthly meetings and participate in the ethical review of research projects
• Live anywhere within the Interior Health region

Logistics
• Number of vacancies: 2
– Location, Date, Time and Frequency:
• The board meets on the first Thursday of each month, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., except for August.
• Meetings are held in-person or via teleconference and an internet-based meeting platform
• Post COVID19 restrictions we will invite those who are able to meet in Kelowna to join in person at the Community Health Services Centre
• The term for this position is expected to be for over a year

Reimbursement
Expenses such as mileage will be offered for travel from out of town; pre-approval is required.
Free parking is available during the meeting time period (until 9:00 a.m. weekdays).

Background
This opportunity has arisen due to recent retirement of a long-standing member with knowledge in ethics. Currently there are 24 standing members and 1 substitute member on the board, representing a wide variety of disciplines. The board is looking to appoint as standing members, suitable for someone who can attend the majority of the meetings during the year and if attendance is a concern than as a substitute members.

Members are appointed by the IH President & CEO upon recommendation by the REB Chair. Risks associated with this work are minimal and members are covered under the Health Authority’s insurance for any liability arising from the work of the board. Decisions are made by the board as a whole, not by individuals, further minimizing liability.

The IH REB reviews research pertaining to all varieties of care settings including acute and primary care, long-term care, community care, and outreach programs. In addition, we participate in the ethical review of research that takes place at multiple sites in the province of BC and may include Population Health research, Health Systems & Services research, or Clinical research.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Carol Stathers
Engagement Leader, Patient and Public Engagement | Interior Region
778.516.3308
cstathers@bcpsqc.ca