MANHASSET, N.Y., Dec. 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Shore-LIJ Health System has been awarded accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP). AAHRPP is a nonprofit organization that provides accreditation for organizations that conduct human research and can demonstrate that their protections exceed the safeguards required by the US government. The health system has shown that it follows rigorous standards for ethics, quality and protections for human research.
"Across the North Shore-LIJ Health System, we are committed to conducting high-quality, ethical research, and ensuring that those who participate in research are protected," said Kevin J. Tracey, senior vice president of research for the health system and president of The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, the research arm of the health system. "It is an honor to be awarded AAHRPP accreditation as it signifies our success in this commitment."
Research takes several forms. Scientific or medical research, when successful, results in new medications or devices that could dramatically improve the way certain diseases or conditions are treated. Other research studies use surveys or observe people to gather information about their behavior, opinions, and/or beliefs. The common denominator with all research is human participants, and because research is experimental, some level of risk is involved. The federal government requires researchers to inform participants about any potential risks involved, and to do everything possible to minimize those risks. AAHRPP was established to promote a process of accreditation as a way to improve quality of research and protect research participants. By attaining AAHRPP accreditation, organizations demonstrate they are committed to conducting high-quality research and prioritizing the protection of their participants. Organizations that attain accreditation do so voluntarily and agree to adhere to research standards that, in many cases, are stricter than those set by the federal government.
"To earn accreditation, we underwent a rigorous evaluation process that involved a thorough site visit by experts in human research protection and showed that we have systems in place to monitor the well being of research participants," said Cynthia Hahn, vice president of clinical research and regulatory affairs at the health system. "Ultimately, with AAHRPP accreditation, research participants can trust that health system researchers will prioritize their safety and well-being above all else."
"When an organization earns the AAHRPP seal, it earns a place among the world's most respected, trustworthy research organizations," said Elyse Summers, AAHRPP president and CEO. "AAHRPP accreditation signifies an organization's commitment to the highest level of research protections –all to the benefit of the research participants we are pledged to protect."
For more information about the North Shore-LIJ health system research programs, visit http://www.feinsteininstitute.org/clinical-research/ or call 1-877-GO-NSLIJ (1-877-466-7545).
About North Shore-LIJ Health System
One of the nation's largest health systems, North Shore-LIJ delivers world-class clinical care throughout the New York metropolitan area, pioneering research at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and a visionary approach to medical education, highlighted by the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. North Shore-LIJ cares for people at every stage of life at 16 hospitals, long-term care facilities and nearly 400 outpatient physician practices throughout the region. North Shore-LIJ's owned hospitals and long-term care facilities house more than 6,000 beds, employ more than 10,000 nurses and have affiliations with more than 9,400 physicians. With a workforce of more than 47,000, North Shore-LIJ is the third-largest employer in New York State. For more information, go to www.northshorelij.com.
About The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Headquartered in Manhasset, NY, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is home to international scientific leaders in many areas including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, psychiatric disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sepsis, human genetics, pulmonary hypertension, leukemia, neuroimmunology, and medicinal chemistry. The Feinstein Institute, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, ranks in the top 6th percentile of all National Institutes of Health grants awarded to research centers. For more information, visit www.FeinsteinInstitute.org.
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