Office of Research Integrity
Office of Research Integrity
These materials are intended to help you design, conduct, and revise your face-to-face (FtF) human subjects research (HSR) in light of the ongoing pandemic. USM, along with virtually all other research institutions around the country and the world, is requiring additional scrutiny of proposed HSR projects and additional responsibilities of researchers. In most cases, these added responsibilities involve physical distancing, masking, cleaning precautions other measures as may be prudent on a case-by-case basis. Human subjects protocols involving only online modes of data gathering, such as Qualtrics surveys, are unaffected.
Faculty submit Request for Return to Research Form https://forms.usm.edu/research/view.php?id=13688
Researchers then have to submit in Cayuse a modification form to an existing active IRB protocols or submit a new proposal. In both cases, researchers need to explain in detail how COVID-related safety measures will be integrated into their FtF research procedures.
Access to on-campus buildings in conjunction with Face to Face (FtF) Human Subjects Research (HSR) must be consistent with the University COVID Response Status in effect at the time. Status information is always accessible at USM COVID status
Compliance with standard laboratory safety protocols and PPE is expected when working within laboratory facilities. Do not share PPE with other research personnel. Non‐disposable PPE should be cleaned/disinfected on a daily basis.
Consult and comply with CDC Prevention Guidelines
Regardless of University Response status, the number and duration of FtF personal interactions should be reduced to the minimum needed to conduct the HSR protocol in question.
Time and occupancy within the lab by research personnel should be limited; data workup, analysis, and writing activities should be completed remotely when practicable.
Individuals who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 may participate in FtF HSR provided all three of the following conditions are met:
Asymptomatic persons exposed to a person with known or suspected COVID‐19 infection within 48 hours of symptom onset must follow these instructions as a condition of participation in FtF HSR:
References: Adapted from CoEHS Return to Research Guidelines