The operational approval process allows for the review and approval of research projects conducted within Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) facilities or projects that utilize VCH resources. This includes, but is not limited to chart review, data access, patients, staff or the posting of research recruitment materials on its property and through its communication channels. 

In addition to REB approval, a formal VCH certificate of approval must be obtained before you begin your research study at VCH. 

Contact or submit application documents to the Coordinator, Research Approvals. The ethics application number must be included in the email subject line when submitting an application.

Apply for operational approval

The stages of operational approval include:

  1. Guidelines: All research study team members for projects seeking operational approval at VCHRI must first review the terms in the Confidentiality Undertaking. Investigators must also ensure they have membership status at VCHRI. Refer to the Guidance Notes for VCH Operational Approval for assistance with completing the application for VCHRI operational approval.
  2. Operational Application: Investigators must complete and sign the application form for operational approval and obtain signatures from managers of all the departments, units or clinics that are affected by the research by completing the Community of Care Signature Sheet. If a manager of a department, unit or clinic requires an impact analysis, investigators must provide a completed Research Impact Analysis with their application for operational approval. 

    CoC Signature Sheet

    Operational Approval Application
  3. Yearly Renewal: Operational approval is valid for one year. If the research study remains active after one year, investigators must complete a request for Renewal of Operational Approval. 
  4. Study Closure: Once all data collection and analysis procedures have been completed, the study is considered closed and investigators must submit a Notification of Study Completion or Termination. 

Study recruitment support

VCHRI provides resources to help researchers expand their reach and engage more potential study participants. To request recruitment support, investigators with operational approval must fill out and submit the Recruitment Support Form on the Study Recruitment Support page.

Recruitment Support
 

Unit-Specific Resources

Medical Devices used in Research:

Biomedical Engineering:

Operating Room and Anatomical Pathology:

Radiology:

Cardiology:

Submit your Application