What action was taken following a loss of sensitive study records?

The action taken following a loss of sensitive study records that demonstrates a proactive and responsible approach is the approval of a protocol change for secure record transmission. This step reflects the importance of protecting participants' sensitive information, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines, and maintaining the integrity of the research process. Implementing a secure method for data handling serves to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents while prioritizing the confidentiality and safety of participants involved in the study.

In this context, simply not informing subjects would undermine trust and ethical obligations. Terminating the research altogether may not address the root problem, preventing further investigations that could yield important findings. Excluding participants from further studies would not only negatively impact their experience and the overall research but could also lead to a loss of valuable data. Therefore, seeking IRB approval for a revised protocol focused on secure record transmission is the most appropriate and responsible action in response to the loss of sensitive information.