Incorporating Gender-Neutral Language in IRB Materials: Perceptions of IRB Professionals

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of institutional review board (IRB) professionals regarding the use of gender-neutral language in IRB guidance and informed consent documents, and whether respondents’ IRBs incorporated gender-neutral language in those documents. A survey was disseminated to a diverse group of IRB professionals whose emails were generated from a list received from the Office for Human Research Protections. Responses indicated substantial endorsement of gender-neutral language, although actual usage remains limited. The findings suggest that while the willingness to adopt inclusive language is high, barriers such as resource limitations and a lack of regulatory guidelines often impede its broader application. This study underscores the importance of developing explicit guidelines and resources to facilitate the adoption of gender-neutral language, enhancing inclusivity in research settings.