Introducing Back to School Sessions! New CRRO Training Opportunities!
It’s time to sharpen your pencils and dust off those backpacks – class is back in session!
In Fall 2025 we’ll be offering two 3-hour sessions of practical learning accompanied by interactive activities and cases on two of our most requested topics, Informed Consent and Recruitment. Generally, the overall objectives for these sessions will be for the audience to be able to:
- Gain an understanding of the topic through experiential learning including examples, case studies, and hands-on activities
- Identify best practices and other recommendations in human subjects research
Registration is open. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to register early as there is limited space in the classroom. These sessions are in person to promote more effective engagement, learning, and understanding. Designed specifically for research staff, all are welcome to attend, including investigators.
Wednesday, September 24th, 11am-2pm – Informed Consent in Action: Practicing Best Practices
Joint Task Force Competency Domain: 1, 2, 4
Level: Fundamental, Skilled, Advanced
Attendees will review and discuss best practices for the informed consent process such as creating an informative, readable, and concise informed consent document; practicing the “teach back” method; and how to properly document the process in a variety of scenarios. We will also focus on special considerations such as low English proficiency, and consent for studies involving minors. Lastly, we will cover different forms of consent such as a waiver of consent or documentation of consent, e-consent, and screening consent.
Thursday, October 9th, 11am-2pm – Screening and Recruiting Research Participants: Strategies and Practices for Success
Joint Task Force Competency Domain: 1, 4, 5
Level: Fundamental, Skilled, Advanced
Attendees will review and discuss recruitment best practices, dive deeper into common recruitment strategies, and learn about resources at BUMC/BMC. We will also discuss how to best plan for study-specific recruitment strategies, and special considerations when reaching vulnerable populations. Finally, we will discuss common issues when submitting an INSPIR application; and what the IRB looks for when reviewing the recruitment plan and materials.
The CRRO is supported by the Boston University Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and the Office of Human Research Affairs.