What Is a Human Research Protection Program?

If your child is ever invited to be part of a research study at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, you may hear the term HRPP. But what does it mean—and why is it important?

HRPP stands for Human Research Protection Program. It’s a system that helps make sure that research involving people—especially children—is done in a safe, respectful, and ethical way. At the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the HRPP is focused on protecting the health, rights, and well-being of children and families who take part in studies.

Why Do Pediatric Hospitals Do Research?

Children’s hospitals don’t just provide care—they also work to find better treatments and cures for childhood illnesses. This often involves research. Pediatric research might study:

• New medicines or treatments
• How diseases affect children differently from adults
• Ways to improve hospital care or mental health support

Children and families who join research studies help doctors and scientists learn important things that can lead to better care for future patients.

How the HRPP Helps Keep Children Safe

Children are a special population in research. They are still growing and developing, and they rely on adults to make decisions in their best interests. Because of this, there are extra protections in place when children are involved in research.

The Human Research Protection Program makes sure:

• The study is safe and appropriate for children
• Parents or guardians give informed consent
• Older children give assent—which means they agree to take part, too, in a way that fits their age and understanding
• The risks are as low as possible
• Families are treated with respect throughout the study

What Is an IRB?

One important part of the HRPP is the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This is a group of experts and community members who review every research study before it can begin. The IRB looks closely at studies involving children and asks:

• Is the research needed?
• Is it fair and respectful?
• Are the risks balanced with the possible benefits?
• Is the study explained clearly to families?

If the IRB has concerns, they can require changes—or even stop the study. This review helps make sure research is done the right way.

What Families Should Know

If your child is invited to join a research study:

• You will be given clear information about the study, its purpose, what will happen, and any risks or benefits.
• You can ask questions at any time.
• You can say yes or no. It’s always your choice.
• Even after saying yes, you or your child can stop participating at any time.

The HRPP makes sure that your rights are respected and that your child’s safety is a top priority.

At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is there to protect children and families who take part in research. It ensures that studies are safe, fair, and clearly explained. Thanks to HRPPs, research can help find better ways to care for kids—while keeping them safe every step of the way.