Reporting/Monitoring/Quality Improvement Unit

Given the large number of studies at UCSF, it is not possible for the QIU to review each study. QIU on-site review activities will focus primarily on studies that do not undergo some degree of formal routine on-site monitoring. The QIU selects studies for review or investigation based on either “Routine” or “Directed” criteria.

The QIU processes and manages all adverse events, protocol violations and incident reports submitted to the IRB.

The QIU manages and investigates (as appropriate) all serious, non-routine research participant complaints. Examples include complaints of study-related injury, safety concerns, violations of participants’ rights, problems related to past research participation, etc.

The QIU compiles and assesses existing monitoring and reporting data that have been generated via Data Monitoring Committee or DSMB reports, or cooperative/collaborative audits (i.e., NCI, CALBG, VAMC, etc.) The QIU also monitors publications of UCSF investigators to ensure that proper IRB approvals were in place for these studies.

The QIU conducts on-site assessment and training when requested by a UCSF-affiliated research team member or the IRB. To request a routine site audit, please fill out out the Routine Site Audit Request form. 

The QIU conducts periodic, routine QA audits of the IRB/HRPP to assess compliance with federal, state and UCSF policies, identify areas for improvement, and to suggest remedies based on existing policies/procedures and current or projected staffing levels. 

Based on findings from on-site routine reviews and directed investigation activities, the QIU provides the IRB with:

• Documentation, analyses and reporting of investigatory findings
• Recommendations and corrective action plans
• Construction and/or revision of HRPP guidance
• Development and tailoring of educational materials and training program