What type of risk is specifically addressed in the expedited review process?

The expedited review process is specifically designed for research that presents minimal risk to participants. This means that the potential harm or discomfort that might be encountered in the research is not greater than that ordinarily encountered in daily life or during routine physical or psychological examinations.

In the context of research ethics and compliance, minimal risk is a critical concept that ensures protections for participants while allowing research to proceed without the extended timeline associated with a full review. This streamlined approach facilitates faster initiation of projects that fall within this low-risk category, thus promoting the advancement of knowledge while safeguarding participant welfare.

The other forms of risk, such as high risk or significant risk, typically require more extensive review processes to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to mitigate potential harm, which does not align with the purpose of the expedited review process.