WellSpan’s research program recently received a three-year, full accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs Inc. (AAHRPP)
“The accreditation assures that research at WellSpan is being conducted ethically, safely and produces quality data,” said Melissa Schlenker, clinical trials manager.
Schlenker said the accreditation was an arduous process that involved staff members throughout the health system. It also included a three-day site visit.
“Organizations of every size and sector of the research enterprise see the value of AAHRPP accreditation—the emphasis on quality, protections and the resulting respect of sponsors and peers,” said AAHRPP President Majorie Speers.
Schlenker said WellSpan IRB processes are also viewed as best practice and the attainment of AAHRPP accreditation is another type of best practice.
She added that the accreditation process helped WellSpan standardize its research program and fine tune processes.