Does publication make it research?

Answer

No.  Intent to publish is not a sufficient criterion for making a human subject research determination. 

UIUC utilizes multiple guidance documents to assess projects at an individual level.  Ultimately, OPRS makes the non-human subject research determination and you should consult OPRS to discuss your specific project. 

 

"No, the intent to publish is an insufficient criterion for determining whether a quality improvement activity involves research. The regulatory definition under 45 CFR 46.102(d) is “Research means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.” Planning to publish an account of a quality improvement project does not necessarily mean that the project fits the definition of research; people seek to publish descriptions of nonresearch activities for a variety of reasons, if they believe others may be interested in learning about those activities. Conversely, a quality improvement project may involve research even if there is no intent to publish the results."

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). (2019). Quality improvement activities FAQs. https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/guidance/faq/quality-improvement-activities/index.html