February 7, 2014
Use humans in your UW research? More info on the new forms you need
The UW Human Subjects Division has updated and streamlined many of its policies. Now all Institutional Review Board forms – initial applications, consent forms, modification forms, annual status reports, and more – have been updated to reflect the new policies.
The university has about 6,000 active studies with human subjects. The new approach is expected to relieve some of the administrative burden on researchers.
Many of the changes deal with which researchers to list on applications and study consent forms. Other changes encompass listing other institutions and organizations involved in each study. This video explains the changes that went into effect Jan. 31.
UW’s Human Research Division estimates about a 15 percent drop in the number of modification forms required, due to the policy changes being made at this time.
“The vast majority of studies require at least one modification each year,” said Katy Sharrock, a training and education specialist with UW Human Subjects Division. Some complex studies can require dozens of modification forms a year, she said.
Sharrock recommends that UW researchers always download the latest version of forms for use.
Researchers can learn more by subscribing to the Human Subjects Division’s monthly newsletter or by attending a presentation about the new policies:
Wed., Feb. 12, 1:30 pm: UW Tower Auditorium
Fri., Feb. 14, 2:00 pm: Health Sciences, Auditorium K06
Thurs., Feb 20, 12:30 pm: Harborview MC, R&T Auditorium
