Use of Human Subjects in Research  

Case Study  

Clinical / Records 

Option B.

Obtain the medical histories without any personal identifiers and proceed to conduct the study.

This is also an inappropriate course of action.

By choosing to request the histories without any identifiers, you would be maximizing the protection of the patients' confidentiality, but would also be foregoing any opportunity to incorporate follow-up information into your study. As your study develops, you might regret having chosen this option.

In addition, the decision to use anonymous information does not erase the requirement to submit a protocol for review and approval. If you choose this option, you may want to submit a request for an exempt review, but you may not initiate the project without the Panel's approval.