Conducting Research in the ED

The emergency department (ED) is a key hub for patient care and research, supporting studies by faculty from the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM) and beyond. Recognizing the ED’s role in advancing science, DEM is committed to fostering integrative, multidisciplinary research.

To ensure high-quality research while prioritizing patient and staff safety and clinical efficiency, DEM has established research infrastructure and processes. Before starting any ED-based research, faculty and trainees must secure approval from the Emergency Medicine Research Committee (EMRC). Researchers outside DEM are strongly encouraged—and often required—to include a DEM faculty member as an investigator.

The EMRC evaluates scientific merit, study feasibility, and potential impact on patient care and departmental operations. It safeguards against excessive subject burden, study conflicts, and risks to patients, visitors, or staff. The approval process is designed to facilitate, not hinder, research, with meetings held twice monthly.

Obtaining initial approval for a research study

Prior to submitting a study for IRB review, all investigators must complete the following steps:

1. Contact the EMRC by phone (608) 263-6690 or email at demresearch@medicine.wisc.edu to schedule a time to present the protocol to the EMRC. The presentation should be made by the PI, UW Site PI, or a faculty member who can engage in a discussion regarding the study.
2. Complete the Study Feasibility Survey and submit it to the EMRC in advance of the meeting (by the Thursday before the EMRC meeting at which the protocol will be presented), along with the IRB protocol and all supporting documents (especially surveys, if applicable). This information will be distributed to EMRC members. EMRC meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.
3. Attend the meeting to briefly present the protocol and engage in a discussion regarding the study. This presentation should include:
   • The purpose
   • The timeline
   • The research methods including the study population, eligibility criteria, and recruitment
     objectives (N= __)
   • ED resources needed
   • Impact on ED operations
   • Funding for research activities
   • Funding for IRB review
4. The EMRC will either approve the study or request changes. If approved, the signed feasibility letter will be provided to the study team. This letter must be submitted with the IRB application.

A well-structured protocol streamlines EMRC and IRB reviews while ensuring rigorous research methods. The UW Health Sciences IRB provides an Investigator Manual and other resources at irb.wisc.edu — reviewing these is strongly recommended.

Requesting re-approval for a research study

Prior to submitting the continuing review to the IRB review, all investigators must:

1. Contact the EMRC (608) 263-6690 or demresearch@medicine.wisc.edu to request re-approval.
2. Submit the EMRC re-approval form with supporting information.