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University of Wisconsin–Madison

HRPP Newsletter February 1, 2021

Introducing HRPP Newsletter

Starting with this issue, a single newsletter will combine updates from key components of the UW’s human research protection program (HRPP), including the IRBs, ARROW, and the IRB Efficiency Project (IEP). This consolidation will provide a more efficient way to keep our research community informed about HRPP news.

IEP Updates

  • The final report analyzing the results from the survey sent last fall to the research community is now posted here: We thank all those who took the time to provide us with valuable feedback. Many of the issues raised in the survey responses will be addressed as part of the IEP, including changes to ARROW.
  • Work on revising Toolkit documents – including protocol and consent templates as well as worksheets for staff and study teams – is nearing completion. Information sessions for the research community will be held in advance of implementation of these documents.
  • Discussions about restructuring of the IRBs themselves are ongoing. A primary goal of this effort is to develop a board structure that provides appropriate expertise for review of all types of research. A new meeting schedule is also being considered, including increasing the frequency of meetings to contribute to faster turnaround times.
  • Questions? Please send your questions to our IRB director email (irbdirector@hsirb.wisc.edu).

ARROW Updates

  • As part of the IEP, ARROW is being updated to include a new protocol-based application (PBA). Researchers with studies that have standalone protocols will be able to use the PBA rather than the current initial review application. The PBA is significantly shorter and more streamlined than the current application. The PBA will allow study teams to spend less time preparing applications, which in turn will allow staff to spend less time reviewing these protocol-based applications. The PBA is targeted to go-live this March.
  • Future updates to ARROW will include a new application designed for studies likely to be minimal risk and without a standalone protocol, including exempt projects. The ED/SBS IRB and HS IRBs will jointly develop this application, which will be identical regardless of the board reviewing the study. This approach will help study teams by providing a simpler application for these kinds of studies and projects.
  • Questions? Please contact Carol Pech (pech@wisc.edu).

RELIANT (Reliance and Navigation Team)

  • RELIANT has been working with stakeholders across campus to clarify when and how study teams need to obtain approval from entities outside the IRB review process, such as radiation safety and data transfer and use agreements. As part of those efforts, these new resources are now available:
  • Radiation safety
  • Data transfer and use agreements
  • Coming soon: a new ancillary committee review matrix! The matrix will help researchers identify which non-IRB approvals required for their study as well as when those should occur and who to contact.
  • Questions? Please contact RELIANT (irbreliance@wisc.edu).

Training & Education

  • The ED/SBS IRB Office is offering the following Spring workshops:
  • The Professional Research Education Program (PREP) is offering the following upcoming webinars:
    • Clinical Research Data Service — Resources for Counts and Recruitment (2/2 @11:00 via WebEx) – This presentation will provide information on clinical data resources available for UW-Madison clinical researchers, including information on resources for doing patient counts, using the EHR to target participants for recruitment, requesting retrospective clinical data for research and details on how to access the services.
    • Engaging with LGBTQ+ Populations in Research (2/24 @1:00 via WebEx) – This session will focus on information researchers should know when engaging with LGBTQ+ study participants, including language and terms, survey and qualitative instrument design, and how to include stakeholders and use language to recruit LGBTQ+ participants.
    • Onboarding and Turnover (4/15 @12:00 via WebEx) – In this course, the presenters will share best practices for onboarding and turnover in study teams. They will share tips and tools for keeping organized during staffing changes, providing efficient and comprehensive training to new study team members, and making smooth transitions.
  • Also be sure to check out PREP’s pre-recorded webinar Remote Consent 101.