Extending the olive branch.

Using data from a study of qualitative researchers' experiences with ethics review and our own lens as both researchers and REB/IRB members, we explore the ethics review process and provide recommendations for improvements. Our findings suggest that the review process would benefit from a strengthened trust relationship between REB/IRBs and qualitative researchers that would require a commitment from both sides. Regarding REBs/IRBs, increased transparency of the review process, consistent application of federal guidelines, and a more collaborative review approach may improve the trust of qualitative researchers.