Human Subjects Research:
Involves living people as part of the study.
Researchers collect data directly from people (like surveys, interviews, or medical tests).
May use personal, identifiable information (like health records or demographics).
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines private information as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which includes any information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, either alone or combined with other information.
Requires extra protection because people’s privacy and safety are involved.
Must follow IRB rules to make sure participants are treated fairly and safely.
All students must consult with the IRB office prior to beginning data collection.
Students must submit a DNP IRB application and cannot assume exemption.
Note that the below examples are not an exhaustive list of Human Subjects Research.
Trying a new care plan on patients
(Example: A new way to manage pain and checking how patients feel afterward.)
Asking nurses or patients questions
(Example: Surveys or interviews about their experiences.)
Testing a telehealth program
(Example: Collecting feedback from patients who use video visits.)
Teaching something new and measuring results
(Example: Giving nurses a new training and checking if their skills improve.)
Using patient charts or health records
(Example: Looking at medical records that include names or other personal info.)
Running focus groups
(Example: Talking to a group of nurses about a new policy.)
Trying out a health app or device
(Example: Asking patients to use a new app to track medications.)
Working with special groups
(Example: Children, older adults, or people with memory problems.)
Sharing data outside your hospital or school
(Example: Publishing results in a journal or presenting at a conference.)