What is a key feature of the expedited review process?

The expedited review process is designed to facilitate quicker evaluations of research protocols that present no more than minimal risk to participants. This feature is particularly important in the context of ethical review in research involving human subjects, as it allows for a more efficient path to approval for specific types of studies, such as those utilizing existing data or involving non-invasive procedures.

By focusing on studies that pose minimal risk, the expedited review process ensures that greater scrutiny is applied to research that may involve more significant ethical considerations, allowing researchers to proceed promptly with lower-risk studies without the longer wait times associated with full board reviews. This process helps to balance the need for ethical oversight with the need for researchers to move forward with their work, particularly in fields where timely research outputs are essential.

In contrast, other options represent different concepts not intrinsic to the expedited review process. Public access to research findings pertains to transparency and dissemination, but not to the review process itself. The involvement of a larger review panel suggests a more comprehensive review typically reserved for studies posing greater risks. Finally, protocols that have been previously validated may streamline processes in general but are not a defining characteristic of expedited reviews specifically.