Research Approvals Processes Project update: Advancing our initial deliverables

November is a busy month for Research Approvals Processes Project (RAPP) engagement activities. Earlier this month RAPP hosted feedback events with the Researcher Advisory Forum, a collection of 29 British Columbia health researchers. Identified by British Columbia’s health authorities and research-intensive universities, Researcher Advisory Forum members have valuable experience navigating different research approvals processes across the province. This event focused on gaining a more nuanced understanding of how researchers experience the research approvals navigation process, and explored how RAPP’s deliverables will enhance this experience.

RAPP will also host a large engagement at the end of November with the key subject matter experts from each of the active workstreams (Ethics, Operational, Privacy, Data, and Contracts). In addition to providing an opportunity for cross-jurisdictional discussion on the work of RAPP, this gathering will also be an opportunity for the provincial subject matter experts to hone the initial deliverables that have been identified for each workstream.

Initial Deliverables for RAPP

The complexities of health research approvals in British Columbia are diverse, with processes that are continuously evolving independently. To tackle a project of this scope with finite resources, RAPP will begin with the release of initial deliverables in 2025. The purpose of these initial deliverables is to deliver prioritized features to initiate change and accelerate progress and establish an iterative approach to ensure real world feedback is integrated.

The initial deliverables will provide prioritized and foundational solutions that address needs identified by interested parties. Once these foundations are in place, they can then be built upon and refined by continued engagement to reach a fully realized streamlined research approval system in British Columbia.

Health Research BC Ethics Service Update

The Research Ethics Model Design Initiative, led by Michael Smith Health Research BC and supported by external consulting firm Accenture, has now concluded its 18-week project as planned. A transformation business case, design, and high-level implementation roadmap for a provincial health authority research ethics board service model was recently presented to British Columbia’s Ministry of Health and members of the RAPP Implementation Steering Committee. The research ethics community in British Columbia informed this work through all phases of the project and the recommended model incorporates elements effective in other jurisdictions across Canada and the United Kingdom. The RAPP Implementation Steering Committee will be considering the advice in the context of other RAPP streams and factors such as readiness, feasibility, funding, and preparedness to mitigate disruption.

For further information, please visit ethics model design initiative.