What does it mean when a study qualifies for expedited review?

When a study qualifies for expedited review, it indicates that the research presents minimal risk to participants and involves simple, straightforward procedures. This is specifically defined within federal guidelines that allow certain types of research to undergo a streamlined review process, ensuring that studies that do not pose significant risk can be approved more quickly.

In this context, minimal risk implies that the likelihood of harm or discomfort is not greater than what participants might encounter in their everyday lives. Simple procedures often refer to methods that are non-invasive, involve routine data collection, or have minimal physical or psychological impacts on participants. This expedited review process helps facilitate important research while still protecting participant welfare.

The other options do not align with the standard for expedited review. For instance, stating that a study has no risks does not accurately reflect how expedited reviews are determined, as some level of risk may always be present in research. Mentioning lengthy procedures contradicts the idea of expedited review, which favors simpler designs. Lastly, studies expected to take a long time do not inherently qualify for expedited review solely based on their duration; the focus is more on the risk level rather than timeframes for completion.