If a child becomes upset during a study, what is the appropriate response from the IRB after being informed?

When a child becomes upset during a study, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is primarily concerned with the well-being of the participants. In this context, the appropriate response from the IRB, after being informed that a child is upset, is often to take a measured approach that does not immediately disrupt the study unless there is a clear and present danger to the child's well-being.

Choosing not to take immediate action allows the research to continue, provided that the upset was addressed appropriately on-site by the research team. The research team should have protocols in place to respond to any distress experienced by participants, ensuring their safety and comfort. This response helps in maintaining the integrity of the research while also prioritizing participant welfare.

While options such as revoking permission or requesting reports may seem proactive, they could interrupt the flow of data collection unnecessarily or divert resources away from addressing an immediate concern. Hence, a calm acknowledgment that further steps may be needed but allowing the research team to manage the situation is often the best course of action in these scenarios.