eProtocol launch for FCOI begins August 13

On June 9, 2014, the Office of the Vice President for Research announced the upcoming implementation of eProtocol, a new, paperless, web-based computer system at Wayne State University for submitting and managing research protocols subject to oversight by the Research Integrity Office. The system includes modules for research involving human subjects, animals, radiation, biohazards, controlled substances, and an online disclosure module for financial conflicts of interest.

The benefits of the eProtocol system include:

  • Dashboard access and management of all study materials
  • Streamlined data entry process
  • Electronic approval signatures from any location
  • Status tracking of required training, renewals, deadlines
  • Automated electronic notifications of approaching deadlines
  • Real-time feedback on the status of reviews
  • Incorporation of amendments directly into protocols
  • Direct management of study personnel on protocols
  • 24/7 web access from any location

Working closely with researchers, staff, and departments across campus, the financial conflict of interest module (eCOI) is now ready for use and will be available to WSU faculty and staff on August 13, 2015. 

eCOI offers several advantages over the previous disclosure system:

Previous FCOI Disclosure Process

eCOI FCOI Disclosure Process

Separate disclosures were filed for every study protocol submitted.

Only one disclosure will be filed per year.

Paper forms were submitted electronically to the COI office.

Web-based disclosure accessible anytime from an investigator dashboard.

Changes, modifications, and clarifications were submitted via email forms.

All communications during the approval process are through eCOI.

Deadlines, reminders and notifications were tracked and communicated manually.

Automated electronic tracking and notification (email and web).

Training in the use of the eProtocol modules is available in the form of:

  • Live training sessions
  • Training manuals
  • Training videos

For live training, please sign up here:

  • August 19, 2015, 2 - 3:30 p.m. - Register here
  • September 9, 2015 - 9:30 to 11 a.m. - Register here
  • September 22, 2015 - 2 to 3:30 p.m. - Register here
  • October 7, 2015 - 9:30 to 11 a.m. - Register here
  • October 20, 2015 - 2 to 3:30 p.m. - Register here
  • November 3, 2015 - 9:30 to 11 a.m. - Register here
  • November 17, 2015 - 2 to 3:30 p.m. - Register here
  • December 2, 2015 - 9:30 to 11 a.m. - Register here
  • December 15, 2015 - 2 to 3:30 p.m. - Register here  

To access the other training materials and learn more about eProtocol, visit http://research.wayne.edu/ep/.

Pilot testing for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) module is currently underway and the module will be available for WSU researchers in the last week of September.

eProtocol will provide researchers with a faster, more efficient mechanism for submitting, tracking and overseeing their research programs and further enhance services provided to Wayne State University researchers by the Office of the Vice President for Research. If you have questions regarding this new system, please send an email to eprotocol@wayne.edu.

Sincerely,

Stephen M. Lanier, Ph.D.

Professor of Pharmacology and Vice President for Research

Contact info

Julie O'Connor

Director, Research Communications
Phone: 313-577-8845
Email: julie.oconnor@wayne.edu