Does my project qualify as research?​

 

Research means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.

 

A “systematic investigation” is an activity that involves a prospective study plan which incorporates data collection, either quantitative or qualitative, and data analysis to answer a study question. Investigations designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge are those designed to draw general conclusions (i.e., knowledge gained from a study may be applied to populations outside of the specific study population), inform policy, or generalize findings.

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Non-Research Determinations

If you are uncertain whether your project constitutes research, you may request a determination from the VANEOHS Research Office.

 

To obtain a determination about whether your proposed project constitutes research or not research, please complete the evaluation form found below. All submissions to the Research Office are now done through VAIRRS/IRBNet, which was implemented nationally by VA Office of Research & Development. You will need to create an IRBNet account, if you do not already have one, so that you may submit this for review. This is a simple process that takes 5 minutes or less. Please see this guidance for creating a VAIRRS/IRBNet account.

 

Once you have an IRBNet account, please create a new project in IRBNet for non-research determination and upload the following:

• The research/non-research evaluation form describing the proposed project (ensure you describe any acronyms at first use)

• A copy of any relevant accompanying documentation, such as data collection forms, surveys/questionnaires, an abstract/description of your project, any letters/determinations you’ve received from other entities regarding this project, etc., as applicable

• Do not complete the requirements listed in the Research Submissions guidance above; that is applicable only to research studies. 

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Publication of Non-Research Activities Outside the VA

The research/non-research evaluation form is only required when there is uncertainty about whether a proposed project constitutes research. If you are certain that your project does NOT constitute research, but need written attestation that the project is not research for the purposes of publication, do not submit the evaluation form for review. Instead, complete the Documentation of Non-Research Activities for Publications Outside the VA form and email to Christina.Bennett2@va.gov.

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STUDY FORMS

The majority of required study forms are available for download within VAIRRS/IRBNet from the Forms and Templates page. Certain forms must be submitted directly to the Research Office, outside of VAIRRS; see below.

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Forms That Must Be Submitted OUTSIDE the VAIRRS System:

1. Conflict of Interest Statements

2. New Investigator Packets

3. Radiation Safety Forms

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RESEARCH FINANCIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (FCOI) STATEMENTS

• All investigators (PI, co-investigators, etc.) must submit a Research Financial Conflict of Interest Statement (OGE Form 450 Alt VA) for each study in which they are listed as an investigator.

• This form must be completed and signed electronically.

 

VANEOHS is pleased to announce the adoption of the IRBNet suite of tools for submission of electronic Conflict of Interest (COI) disclosures. 

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VANEOHS will begin accepting electronic COI submissions via IRBNet on February 12, 2024.  Beginning on March 18, 2024, all disclosures (including revisions and renewals) must be submitted electronically via IRBNet, and all decisions will be issued electronically via IRBNet. 

 

Instructions and guidance for the new MyCOI process will be uploaded to the IRBNet Forms and Templates library (VANEOHS Research Administration, Cleveland, OH – Documents for Researchers) and below for reference.

How To: COI Step 1 - Creating Your COI Disclosure

How To: COI Step 2 - Submitting COI Disclosures

 

February 12, 2024

• The old PDF COI forms will temporarily remain on the VANEOHS Research website to accommodate submissions that are in progress. It is recommended that the PI work with their team when planning to submit COIs during this transition period to ensure all investigators are informed as to what form (new or old) should be used as all investigators on a project must submit their COIs via the same method.

• If there are any questions or if assistance is needed while compiling a submission during this transition period, please contact the VANEOHS Research Administrative Staff responsible for your project, or the VANEOHS VAIRRS general mailbox at VHACLEVAIRRS@va.gov

March 18, 2024

• Packages submitted on or after this date must use the new MyCOI process. 

• Any package submitted on or after this date with an old/discontinued COI form will be returned for correction. 

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If you are using the old method of submitting PDF COI forms during the transition period from 2/12 to 3/17, please see below for instructions:​

• FCOI forms must be emailed to VHACLEresearchFCOI@va.gov when you create your submission in VAIRRS. Per VA Office of Research & Development, FCOI forms MUST NOT be uploaded into VAIRRS.

• When emailing your FCOI form(s), please be specific in the subject line about the type of submission (e.g., IRB continuing review, IACUC modification, new study, SRS annual review) with which your FCOI form is associated. If you do not specify, processing of your COI will be delayed.

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Financial Conflict of Interest Disclosure (for electronic signature)

Financial Conflict of Interest Disclosure (when printing and signing with pen and ink)

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NEW INVESTIGATOR PACKETS

• Principal Investigators must have VA paid appointments and cannot be interns, residents, or fellows.

• If you have not previously served as Principal Investigator on a study at VANEOHS, you will need to complete a New Investigator Packet and submit to the Research Office prior to submitting your study package. Email this packet to VHACLEVAIRRS@va.gov – DO NOT upload into VAIRRS.

 

New Investigator Packet (for all first time VA PIs)​

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RADIATION SAFETY FORMS

Research studies involving radiation typically require approval from the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Required RSC forms can be downloaded below. Please contact the Radiation Safety Officer when you are preparing your study to begin the process. If required, RSC approval must be obtained prior to IRB approval of the study.

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Research Roadmap

AU-PI Application

AU-PI Amendment

Human Research Involving Ionizing Radiation Application

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For questions regarding Radiation Safety:

Radiation Safety Officer

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ADDITIONAL FORMS

If you will be taking sensitive or patient health related data offsite, you will need the following forms:

• Request to Store/Transport Sensitive Data

  • This is requested through EPAS. Select Cleveland VAMC Store/Transport Sensitive Data Request. You must be logged on to the VA Network to access this website.

• Data Use Agreement

 

For questions regarding New Studies:

R&D Committee Administrator

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For questions regarding VA funding applications:

Administrative Officer (216) 791-3800 x64657