Electronic Informed Consent (eIC)

The WVU IRB permits Electronic Informed Consent (eIC), which allows researchers to collect informed consent through electronic materials. How you collect informed consent is determined by your type of research. Visit the links below for more information about eIC:  

• eIC Quick Reference

• eIC FAQ

• eIC Tool Guidance Chart

• eIC Training Sessions

• Request Access to eIC Software

• West Virginia University Sensitive Data Policy

Contact the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) if you have questions about the eIC process or policies.

Technical support for eIC tools

WVU Qualtrics, HSC Qualtrics, REDCap, and HSC Zoom are used to collect eIC for different types of research. Refer to the eIC Tool Guidance Chart for more detailed information about each tool's guidelines and capabilities. 

Use the list below for a general overview of each tool, useful links, and support contacts. If you are unsure which tool to use for your research, contact the OHRP. 

WVU Qualtrics

WVU Qualtrics is used for Only Minimal Risk (OMR) research that does not involve sensitive data and does not require a signature. View the Qualtrics Knowledge Base articles for guides and troubleshooting. Submit an ITS request or call the IT Service Desk at 304-293-4444 if you need assistance. 

HSC Qualtrics

HSC Qualtrics is used for Only Minimal Risk (OMR) research that involves sensitive data but does not require a signature. HSC Qualtrics is separate from WVU Qualtrics and is approved by WVU Information Security for use with PHI\PII. Contact the HSC IT Service Desk at 304-293-3631 or email hschelpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu if you need access or assistance. 

REDCap

REDCap is required for all More Than Minimal Risk (MMR) research and can also be used for all Only Minimal Risk Research (OMR) research. View the WVCTSI REDCap page for more information about using REDCap. Contact the REDCap administrator at REDCapAdmin@hsc.wvu.edu or call the HSC IT Service Desk at 304-293-3631 if you need access or assistance.

HSC Zoom

An HSC Zoom session is required for all More Than Minimal Risk (MMR) research. The Zoom session is required to explain the research to participants, answer questions, and verify the identity of the person signing the form. HSC Zoom must be used for HIPAA compliance. Contact the HSC IT Service Desk at 304-293-3631 or email hschelpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu if you need access or assistance.