Office of Research Support Services
We are committed to the protection of the rights and welfare of each person enrolled in research. To this end, we subscribe to the ethical principles outlined in the Belmont Report, which requires compliance with federal regulations pertaining to the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects, and has formally designated the Marshfield Clinic Health System's Institutional Review Board (IRB) as the body to approve, monitor and review research conducted throughout Marshfield Clinic Health System. Investigators engaged in research and IRB members are to familiarize themselves with all applicable regulations, policies, forms and guidance documents.
Potential research participants should be aware that being in a study is entirely voluntary. Anyone asked to take part may refuse to do so, and this decision will not be held against them. Participants can also decide to join a research study but then stop at any time without being penalized or without losing benefits they would otherwise receive. Decisions about research participation will not affect a patient’s relationship with their Marshfield Clinic Health System physician or the Marshfield Clinic Health System in general.
What's an Institutional Review Board?
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a group of individuals who are responsible for reviewing a research study to make sure that the research participant's rights and welfare are protected. Most clinical research studies cannot begin without a review board's approval. Board members generally include health care personnel such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and scientists. The Board also includes other members who are not of the scientific community, non-scientists such as clergy, legal counsel, information systems/security, business associates, social workers and community members.