|
VAIRRS News | September 2024 |
|
|
Data integrity continued to improve in August. The "Data Integrity" page on the Field Staff Reporting (FSR) Dashboard provides each VAIRRS site with the data and tools to ensure the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and reliability of their program’s data. Last month, with the support of the FSR Dashboard, Research and Development Committee (RDC) status flags decreased by 32% and Institutional Review Board (IRB) risk level issues decreased by 52%.
Note: RDC flags occur when a project's status is inconsistent with boards outside of the RDC. IRB issues occur when a discrepancy exists between IRB status and risk level.
Our goal is to reduce all flags and issues within the system to ensure VA researchers have access to the most accurate data. On average, research facilities have four RDC status flags and three IRB risk level issues. Help us improve data integrity. Please continue to review any overall project status flags on an ongoing basis and send them to reviewers or committees to make the necessary updates. Visit the FSR Dashboard and use the left-hand navigation section to see your site's "Data Integrity" page.
VAIRRS recognizes the need for continual updates to the flag system, which requires new processes and updates to the algorithm. Please expect the addition of the "Pending Review" status and other status flags to be published in the next few weeks.
We are continuously working to improve the "Data Integrity" page on the FSR Dashboard to enhance and facilitate the user experience. If you would like to speak with the dashboard team about a particular data insight relevant to a specific business need, please do not hesitate to reach out.
|
|
DID YOU KNOW?
VAIRRS End User Support Program
The VAIRRS End User Support Team provides administrative assistance to VAMCs to facilitate the adoption of VAIRRS and increase compliance with related protocols and directives. The support team works closely with VAMCs, for an average duration of six to nine months, assisting in pre- or post-submission validation of VA Project Cover Sheets, translation of board actions from a site's local database to IRBNet, consolidation of duplicate projects, and rectification of data discrepancies. If your VAMC is interested in assistance, please send an end user support request to begin the onboarding process.
|
|
|
The new Enterprise Research Data Security Plan (ERDSP) Smart Form has launched in VAIRRS. The form provides step-by-step instructions for VA investigators to document their plans to avoid risks in regard to research information and VA data. Investigators should use the form to obtain ORR centralized information security review.
Please review ORR’s quick reference guide, which is meant to assist investigators during the transition process and includes information regarding office hours, support links to training, and additional resources.
We also invite investigators to watch the recording of the ERDSP training webinar.
|
The VAIRRS Mentor Program currently has four team members from various roles across VA providing mentorship, with the ability to support more mentees.
If you are interested in getting help from a fellow VAIRRS user or becoming a VAIRRS mentor, access the mentee/mentor applications via the VAIRRS Mentor Program SharePoint page.
Mentee applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Mentor applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all slots are filled.
|
|
|
The VA Central IRB has released an update to submission processes and forms pertaining to the following:
- Coordinating Center Submission Process
- New Form 110 Research Supplement
- New PI and LSI Submission Checklists
- Revised Form 103 Request for Privacy Review and Waiver of HIPAA Authorization
Please review the VA Central IRB Summary for more details on the changes.
For more detailed information regarding these changes, we also invite you to watch the recording of the VA Central IRB updates webinar.
The forms and guidance documents have been posted in the VA Central IRB IRBNet Forms and Templates library (VA Central IRB Administration, Washington, DC – Documents for Researchers). Please note new forms have a “must use by” date noted in the summary document. On or after this stated date, any package submitted with an old version of a form will be returned for the new form to be submitted.
If you have any questions regarding the forms or processes, please contact the Central IRB manager responsible for your project, the Central IRB administrator for the panel that oversees your project, or the VA Central IRB team for support.
|
|
VEPA Award Winners
In 2023, VAIRRS established the VAIRRS Enterprise Partnership Award (VEPA) to recognize VA research programs that exceed requirements and have fully transitioned to VAIRRS to meet enterprise standards put in place by the Office of Research and Development (ORD). The VEPA recognizes VA research programs by size (small, medium, and large) and annually awards three programs based on their completion metrics and positive contributions that enable the expansion of VAIRRS' and ORD's mission and priorities.
This year's award winners were selected due to their exceptional performance, which enables leadership to expand efforts for improvement within the VA research community and for our Veterans. ORD leadership is grateful for each program's contributions and continued excellence.
Please join us in congratulating our 2024 winners!
Large Program
VA Atlanta Healthcare System
Medium Program
VA Phoenix Health Care System
Small Program
VA Salem Healthcare System
|
|
VAIRRS University
Your feedback is crucial to our ongoing efforts to enhance VAIRRS University. We encourage you to participate in our survey and share your insights by clicking the "Share Your Experience" button below or visiting the VAIRRS University SharePoint page. Your input will help us identify gaps and improve usability, training content, and engagement within VAIRRS University.
|
To learn more about VAIRRS University, watch the recording of the VAIRRS University walk-through webinar led by VAIRRS experts.
For questions about VAIRRS University, contact the VAIRRS Support Team.
|
|
|
VAIRRS approved four change requests during the August Change Control Board (CCB) meeting. View the August CCB Summary file for more details on the changes.
|
 The VA Electronic Determination Aid (VAEDA) Support Team is available for all VA facilities. To learn more about VAEDA, visit the VAEDA SharePoint page.
|
|
Survey
What do you think of our monthly newsletter?
|
|
|
IRBNet support is available at govsupport@irbnet.org for technical issues and questions related to IRBNet. For regulatory questions or questions about processes subject to regulatory guidance, visit the ORD Policies and Guidance. If you still need help, email VAIRRS@va.gov. The VAIRRS User Group Listserv is also available if you would like to reach out to other users. Email the VAIRRS team to be added to the listserv.
Training resources and the VAIRRS Toolkit are available on the VAIRRS SharePoint portal.
The VAIRRS Change Control Board meets monthly to review requested changes and potential new forms and letter templates. If you wish to submit a change request, visit the VAIRRS CCB Request Form. Reminder: It is expected that all VAIRRS sites will use the standard library and supplement with local forms as necessary. The Project Cover Sheet, IRB Information Sheet, and Study Team Tracking wizards must be completed at the next study event as soon as possible.
|
|
|
|
