Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What does ICH stand for in clinical research guidelines?

1. International Council on Health

2. International Conference on Harmonisation

3. Integrated Clinical Healthcare

4. International Consortium of Hospitals

The correct answer is: International Conference on Harmonisation

The correct answer refers to the International Conference on Harmonisation. This organization plays a vital role in the development of guidelines that promote consistency, efficiency, and quality in clinical research across different regions, particularly between Europe, Japan, and the United States. The International Conference on Harmonisation is important because it provides a platform for regulatory authorities and industry representatives to collaborate and define standards that enhance the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals. By harmonizing the standards, it seeks to ensure that clinical trials are conducted under the same rigorous conditions, regardless of the location, which is crucial for the global nature of clinical research. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the organization formed for developing these guidelines. For example, "International Council on Health" and "Integrated Clinical Healthcare" lack specific ties to the harmonization of clinical practices across countries, while "International Consortium of Hospitals" does not focus on research guidelines but rather on hospital practices.