SOP 043: Training and Education

1. Purpose

This SOP lays out the process and responsibilities for training WVU OHRP staff and IRB members.

2. Procedures

2.1. WVU OHRP Staff Training

2.1.1. WVU OHRP staff complete training in the protection of human research subjects. WVU OHRP staff may complete any training options offered for researchers approved by the West Virginia University IRB and/or WVU OHRP Director

2.1.2. WVU OHRP staff receive initial and ongoing training in the areas related to their responsibilities, including all SOPs.

2.1.3. WVU OHRP staff are encouraged to attend workshops and other educational opportunities focused on IRB functions and human subject research. The WVU OHRP Director supports such activities to the extent possible and as appropriate for staff responsibilities.

2.1.4. WVU OHRP staff unable to attend education sessions will be provided with the opportunity to make up any training they missed. If a make-up session is not possible (e.g., webinar or conference), then an equivalent educational opportunity will be offered at the discretion of the Director.

2.2 IRB Member Training

2.2.1. Initial Education: IRB members complete the required modules in the CITI course in the Protection of Human Research Subjects, including IRB Member CITI Training. This initial IRB Member CITI training is a one-time requirement unless otherwise specified by the WVU OHRP Director.

2.2.2. Continuing Education: IRB members participate in ongoing training in areas related to their responsibilities.

2.2.3. IRB Chair(s) and Vice Chair(s) receive additional training in areas related to their responsibilities.

2.2.4. IRB members are encouraged to attend workshops and other educational opportunities focused on IRB functions and human subjects research. The WVU OHRP Director will support such activities to the extent possible and as appropriate for member responsibilities.

2.2.5. WVU OHRP uses the following activities (including, but not limited to the list below) as a means for offering continuing education to IRB members:

• In-service training at IRB meetings;
• Internal and External training workshops;
• Copies of appropriate publications, via hard copy or electronically;
  
• Identification and dissemination, by the Director or designee, of new information that might have affected the WVU OHRP, including laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and emerging ethical and scientific issues to IRB members via email, mail, or during IRB meetings;

2.2.6. Members unable to attend education sessions will be provided with the opportunity to make up any training they missed. If a make-up session is not possible (e.g., webinar or conference), then an equivalent educational opportunity will be offered at the discretion of the Director.

2.2.7. The activities for continuing education vary every year depending on the operating budget and areas of need, as determined by the WVU OHRP Director. The Director determines which continuing education activities are mandatory for IRB members and staff in a given year and tracks whether each individual has satisfied the requirements. IRB members who have not fulfilled their continuing education requirements will not be allowed to attend IRB meetings until they are fulfilled. Continuing noncompliance will result in the individual not being renewed as an IRB member.

3. References

AAHRPP:
Standard I.1