Improving IRB Community Outreach Methods

PHRP Perspectives

How can IRBs and research investigators improve outreach within their institutions and with the broader community? Joe Smith, PHRP Advisory Board Member and Director of the Human Research Protection Program at University of Maryland College Park and Samantha Martocci, IRB Specialist in Education and Improvement with the University of Maryland, discuss how to better connect, communicate, and collaborate to build stronger internal and external engagement.

Show Notes:

Joe Smith and Sam Martocci offer many tips to improve community outreach – from engaging researchers on campus to connecting with local communities.

• Internal and External Outreach Require Distinct Strategies: Internal outreach focuses on researchers, IRB members, and institutional stakeholders via surveys, listservs, websites, and presentations. External outreach targets current and potential research participants and the surrounding community using clinics, partnerships, and educational materials.
• Partnerships Enhance Reach and Relevance: Collaborating with offices like community engagement or research administration brings broader perspectives and deeper connections, often opening access to specialized populations and established communication channels.
• Trust and Relationship-Building Are Essential: Effective outreach isn’t just about information—it's about trust. Establishing rapport with researchers encourages collaboration, transparency, and compliance. Outreach should be personal, approachable, and consistent.
• Surveys and Feedback Drive Improvement: Regular feedback from investigators and community members reveals gaps in communication and areas for resource development. Listening fosters improvement and validates stakeholders' perspectives.
• Resource Sharing and Institutional Knowledge Matter: Many tools already exist within an institution. By auditing current resources, reaching out to peer organizations, and learning from others, IRBs can build stronger foundations without reinventing the wheel.

Learn more about PHRP Advisory Board Member Joe Smith

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