---
title: "Commentary: Protecting human subjects and their data in mult | Sutter Health"
description: "Comparative effectiveness research raises important issues regarding data usage authorizations, multiple IRBs with oversight authority & breach protection."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/protecting-human-subjects-their-data-in-research-1055312628"
---

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4.  Commentary: Protecting human subjects and their data in mult

# Commentary: Protecting human subjects and their data in multi-site research

Luft HS.

_Med Care. 50 Suppl:S74-6. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e318257ddd8._

2012-07-01

## Abstract

Comparative effectiveness research is sometimes best done using routinely collected data from multiple real world settings. This raises important issues with respect to the authorizations to use the data , dealing with the multiple IRBs that may have oversight authority, and protecting it from breaches. Careful delineation of what is quality improvement vs. research -driven interventions can help with IRB reviews, especially for low-risk projects. It is impossible to totally de-identify data without markedly reducing its value for research , but creative strategies can markedly reduce the risk of advertent disclosures of patient identities.

[PubMed abstract](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Commentary%3A+Protecting+human+subjects+and+their+data+in+m)

## Research topics

-   [Health Policy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22%5C%22Health+Policy%5C%22%22)

## Related publications

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