Policy on Conducting Research Surveys with SNACC Members

Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for researchers seeking to conduct surveys involving members of the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC). The policy ensures that surveys align with the society’s mission, protect member privacy, and maintain high standards of scientific and ethical research.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals or organizations requesting to distribute research surveys to SNACC members.

Eligibility Criteria

Researchers must:

1. Be active SNACC members
2. Be affiliated with an academic, clinical, or research institution.
3. Propose research directly related to neuroscience, anesthesiology, or critical care.
4. Obtain prior approval or exemption from their institution’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent ethics committee.

Submission Requirements

To request permission for survey distribution, researchers must submit the following to info@snacc.org:

• A formal application addressed to the SNACC Research Committee.
• A detailed research proposal, including:
  • Objectives and significance of the study.
  • Survey methodology and timeline.
  • Anticipated outcomes and potential benefits.
• A copy of the survey instrument (questionnaire).
• Proof of IRB or ethics approval or exemption.
• Contact information and credentials of the principal investigator.

Application Time Frame

Researchers are encouraged to submit their applications at least 8 weeks prior to the intended survey distribution date. This allows adequate time for review, feedback, and potential modifications.

Application Deadlines

SNACC accepts survey proposals twice annually. The submission deadlines are:

• March 31st
• September 30th

 Review and Approval Process

1. The SNACC Research committee will review all submissions.
2. Surveys will be evaluated based on:
   • Relevance to SNACC’s mission and member interests.
   • Scientific and methodological rigor.
   • Feasibility and minimal member burden.
3. Decisions will be communicated within 4-6 weeks of submission.
4. SNACC reserves the right to reject proposals that do not meet these criteria.

Distribution of Research Surveys

1. Approved surveys will be distributed through SNACC’s official communication channels, such as:
   • Email blasts to members
   • Posting on the SNACC member website.
2. Member contact information will not be directly shared with researchers.
3. Surveys must not exceed a reasonable length and time commitment to ensure high response rates.

Ethical Considerations

• Participation in surveys must be voluntary, with an option to withdraw at any time.
• Researchers must provide a clear and concise informed consent statement at the start of the survey.
• Responses must be anonymized, and data confidentiality must be maintained.
• All data collection and processing must comply with applicable data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).

Fees and Costs

SNACC may charge an administrative fee for survey distribution to cover operational costs. Fee amounts will be communicated to researchers upon proposal approval.

Acknowledgment Requirements

Researchers must acknowledge SNACC’s role in facilitating the survey in all publications, presentations, or other outputs, using the following statement: “We acknowledge the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC) for their support in distributing this research survey.”

Restrictions

SNACC will not approve surveys that:

1. Are commercial or promotional in nature.
2. Lack clear scientific or educational objectives.
3. Require excessive time commitments from members.

Contact Information

For inquiries or to submit a survey proposal, please contact: SNACC Research Committee
Email: info@snacc.org

Effective Date: 03-05-2025
Approved by: SNACC Board of Directors