QR codes and international databases: promoting transparency in IRB approvals for medical research

Figures & data

Table 1. Practical implications of quick-response (QR) codes and institutional review board (IRB) database.

Implication	Description
Increased transparency	Participants and stakeholders would have effortless access to information regarding IRB-approved research studies.
Reduced risk of falsified approvals	The QR code links directly to the authentic IRB-approved protocol, thus unveiling any attempts at falsification.
Improved accountability	IRBs would be held more accountable for their decisions. Researchers could easily search for IRB-approved studies within their field of research. Participants and stakeholders could search for studies they are considering participating in.
Increased efficiency	Researchers could utilize the database to identify reputable IRB institutions with a proven track record of approving high-quality research studies.
Approved scientific Integrity	Ensuring the safeguarding of research participants and upholding the integrity of scientific inquiry is of the highest priority, as it directly translates to safeguarding the confidence and reliance of the general public.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available upon request from the corresponding author.