HETHR - Frequently Asked Questions

HETHR Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

FAS and Other University-Area Trainees

Harvard Medical School Trainees

Harvard School of Public Health Trainees

Answers

General Questions

I don't have a Harvard ID or PIN. How do I access HETHR?

There are three possibilities. (1) If you think you already have a training record at Harvard, contact your IRB office for your HETHR username and password, which have automatically been generated for you. (2) If this is your first time training for a Harvard-related purpose, then choose "Register" under "New Users Without HUID" (at the bottom right of the HETHR login screen). You must then give the appropriate IRB your name in order to have access to your certificate. (3) If you are not taking HETHR for Harvard-related purposes, register as a new user (as in [2] above). You needn't contact an IRB, as you are not eligible for a Harvard certificate. [Back to the top]
How do I access my HETHR certificate?

When you have completed the required topics for certification, simply exit HETHR (by clicking on the "X" button on the top-right corner of the HETHR window). This should return you to the "Trainee Profile" screen, where you should see two "View Certificate" buttons: one for a viewing a printable certificate in your browser window, another for viewing a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) version, which is useful if you want to save or email the certificate.
If you do not see the "View Certificate" button: if you are a newly registered trainee AND are affiliated with a Harvard project, contact your IRB or the Helpdesk to become authenticated. If you are a returning trainee or logged in via HUID, then make sure you took all the required topics, and completed the quiz for each topic. If you still don't see a certificate, please contact the Helpdesk (mailto:helpdesk@harvard.edu, or 617-496-2001).
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If I am working with a particular population (i.e. children, or people who are low literate) do I need to take the elective(s) that pertain to this population?

Please see your specific IRB's FAQ. [Back to the top]
How long does it take to complete HETHR baseline requirements? HETHR refresher requirements?

This depends on your reading speed, and whether you choose not to view the historical vignettes (which are only 1-4 minutes each). Trainees report that it takes anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours total for baseline certification. Refresher certification will take slightly less time. [Back to the top]
Do you keep track of my quiz scores?

No, we are only concerned that you learn the material. Therefore, we have you keep trying until you answer each question correctly. Everyone that completes HETHR gets 100% on the quizzes, so we don't track your score. [Back to the top]
Why do I see a certificate that doesn't say "HETHR" on it?

Your certificate is based on whatever type of training you took most recently, either HETHR or non-HETHR. Even if you took HETHR within the past two years, the HETHR certificate will still be replaced by a non-HETHR certificate of acceptance if you took a non-HETHR training more recently. The converse is also true. [Back to the top]
Why are some topics in the Course Outline shown in a different color than the others?

Once you take a topic, it changes color to remind you which topics you've already viewed during a session. Unfortunately, HETHR is no longer able to provide this reminder between sessions; each time you log in, the color differences will no longer appear. If you need to be reminded of which topics you've already completed, your IRB has this information, or you can call Helpdesk (mailto:helpdesk@harvard.edu, or 617-496-2001). [Back to the top]
When and how can I become recertified?

For HMS and HSPH trainees, your certification lasts for two years. You can recertify any time by taking the HETHR refresher requirements (all 6 Basics, plus two Electives of your choice). Refresher requirements are the same whether or not you let your certification lapse. You can also recertify by taking an accepted non-HETHR training program, if you present proof of completion to your IRB.[Back to the top]
The animated vignettes run (or load) very slowly. Is this normal?

The loading and running times for the animations vary depending on your computer, on your internet connection, and on whether you use a PC or a Macintosh. We have made every effort to make speeds consistent, but if you are experiencing extreme slowness, you may wish to skip the animations by clicking the skip-to-text button at the top-right of the vignette window ( it looks something like this: >| ). [Back to the top]
Can I print out copies of the topics? Why can't I select text to cut-and-paste?

There is a Print button on all topics, at the top-right of the text window. The program design does not allow cutting and pasting, however. Note that printing documents via the Print button takes more time than printing from a word-processing program. [Back to the top]
Do I have to finish HETHR in one sitting?

No. You can come back as many times as you like in order to complete your certification - just click the "X" button on the top-right of HETHR to exit, then log back in whenever you have more time. Of course, you can come back even after you are certified to view new topics or review old ones. Note: it's best to log out of HETHR if you plan to be away from the computer for a long time, then log back in when you're ready to continue. After long periods of inactivity, the connection between HETHR and the database that tracks your topics can be cut off. [Back to the top]
Can I review the text of a topic while I'm taking the quiz for that topic?

Yes, certainly. Just drag the Quiz window out of the way of the text you wish to view. The scroll bar on the topic text still works while the Quiz window is open. When you're ready to continue the quiz, just drag the Quiz window back into full view. [Back to the top]
Can I read Reference-window documents while I have a training topic open?

Yes, you can. You can open the Reference window any time you like; however, you will probably wish to close it when you want to continue reading the topic text. [Back to the top]
Is there any way to pause the multimedia vignettes, in case I need to do something else for a moment?

A pause button is planned for the next HETHR release. [Back to the top]
The viewing window is very small - can I make it larger?

At present, the size of the HETHR window cannot be changed. However, if you change the resolution of your computer's monitor, the window will appear larger. Using your computer's "Display" or "Desktop" properties, set the screen resolution to 800x600. [Back to the top]
If I experience technical difficulties while using HETHR, whom should I contact for assistance?

Please email Harvard's UIS HelpDesk, or call them at 617-496-2001. [Back to the top]

FAS and University-Area Schools Questions

Is there a renewal requirement for University Area (FAS and non-medical professional school) investigators?

At present, completion of the HETHR training for University Area investigators is a one-time requirement, although this may change in future. If refresher training is required, you will be advised well in advance, to give you sufficient time to complete the training. [Back to the top]
If I have completed a human subjects protection training elsewhere, do I have to take the Harvard University training?

If you have completed training elsewhere, please send a copy of your training certificate to cuhs@fas.harvard.edu (if available electronically), or CUHS, Science Center 128 (for paper copies). We will accept the CITI program and other equivalent programs, as well as attendance at human research protection conferences. Please check with the CUHS office if you have specific questions. [Back to the top]
If I am working with a particular population (i.e. children, or people who are low literate) do I need to take the elective(s) that pertain to this population?

Although you are free to choose the electives you wish to complete, we recommend that you take the electives that most closely pertain to the topic or participants of the research you are conducting. [Back to the top]
Do individuals identified as Key Personnel who are not involved with the human subjects portion of my NIH funded project have to comply with the human subjects training requirement?

University Area Key Personnel with no anticipated human subjects involvement need not complete the HETHR training. However, if plans change, they must complete the training before they can work with human subjects or identifiable human subjects data or materials. [Back to the top]
Where can I find directions regarding NIH training requirements and their documentation and implementation in grant applications?

See the OSP web site at http://vpf-web.harvard.edu/osr/support/faq/hsfaqs.html [Back to the top]
If I experience technical difficulties while using HETHR, whom should I contact for assistance?

For technical difficulties, please email Harvard's UIS HelpDesk or call them at 617-496-2001. For IRB-policy related questions, please contact CUHS, 617-496-CUHS (2847). [Back to the top]
My School/Faculty does not have its own IRB and IRB administrator. With whom can I work on training issues?

If you are a member of the Graduate School of Education, Kennedy School of Government or another non-medical professional school or institute, your human subjects proposals are reviewed and approved by the University Area IRB (Committee on the Use of Human Subjects in Research). Any questions about training, or other human subjects issues, should be referred to the University Area IRB administrators whose names appear on the CUHS Website, or you can write to cuhs@fas.harvard.edu for assistance. Questions regarding submission of certification to the NIH and other application/proposal processing questions should be referred to the OSP/Awards Management contact who handles pre-award activity for your School/Faculty. [Back to the top]

Harvard Medical School Questions

If I am working with a particular population (i.e. children, or people who are low literate) do I need to take the elective(s) that pertain to this population?

Yes - the HMS/HSDM IRB recommends that research personnel take the electives that most closely pertain to the topic or participants of the research study. [Back to the top]
Do I need to inform ORSP each time I complete HETHR?
That depends. If you never had a training record at Harvard, and you registered as a new user without Harvard ID, then ORSP needs to be notified so we can add you to our database. You can email or call ORSP, 617-432-3071, or contact the UIS Helpdesk, 617-496-2001. If you logged in with an HUID, then HETHR will automatically send information about topics you've completed to Harvard's IRB database. [Back to the top]
If I have completed a human subjects protection training elsewhere (i.e. CITI), do I have to take the Harvard University training?

HMS/HSDM will accept human subject protection trainings from other institutions (a copy of the certificate, or a confirmation from the other institution is required). However, if your training certificate is more than 2 years old, you will need to complete the Harvard University refresher training requirements. [Back to the top]
If I have non-Harvard personnel working on my protocol, do they need to take the HETHR training?

Non-Harvard personnel without any human subjects' protection training will need to complete HETHR.
If non-Harvard personnel have taken another human subjects protection training, we will accept their training certificate unless it is more than 2 years old (a copy of the certificate, or a confirmation from the other institution is required). If the certificate is more than 2 years old, they will need to take the refresher training requirements. [Back to the top]
Do I need to provide certificates for myself and all of my research personnel before my protocol will be approved?

That depends - only personnel who have received a certificate may work with study participants. The protocol may be approved, contingent upon evidence that trainings have been completed.[Back to the top]

Harvard School of Public Health Questions

Are the "old" HSC training modules still available, if I prefer to use them instead of HETHR? Specifically, I wonder about the CD-ROMs, the online Harvard PowerPoint program, videotapes, and live sessions.

The online PowerPoint program will not be available after HETHR's launch in January 2006. HSC will continue to offer live training sessions periodically during the academic year, which will count toward baseline or refresher in lieu of HETHR. Under certain circumstances, such as personal disability or technical difficulties, we will accept viewing of the old CD-ROMs or videos for baseline or refresher. We will continue to accept the CITI program and equivalent programs (including attendance at live conferences, teaching an ethics course, etc.) in lieu of HETHR. Feel free to email or call the HSC Training Coordinator to discuss your training needs: Anne Boginski, or 617-384-8543. [Back to the top]
Do I need to inform the Human Subjects Committee each time I complete HETHR?
That depends. If you never had a training record at Harvard, and you registered as a new user without Harvard ID, then the HSC needs to be notified so we can add you to our database. If you logged in with an HUID, then HETHR will automatically send information about topics you've completed to Harvard's IRB database. [Back to the top]
Who needs to complete HETHR?

Anyone working directly with human subjects, or data or tissue that he or she can link back to individual subjects, must fulfill human subjects training requirements (or acceptable equivalents). Please note that HETHR baseline and refresher requirements are the same for the following individuals: principal investigators, co-investigators, key personnel, and subcontractors. * IRB approvals and/or reapprovals may be held up due to unfulfilled training requirements. [Back to the top]
Who does not need to complete training in human subjects protections?

Anyone who does not work directly with either human subjects, or with data or tissue that he or she can link back to individual subjects. [Back to the top]
If I have completed the Research Ethics Seminar (HPM292d) at HSPH, do I still have to take HETHR?

No. As long as you have taken HPM292d in the past two years, HSC will grant you two years of training credit toward baseline or refresher. This credit extends to those who audited the course or took it for academic credit. HPM292d also fulfills the NIH requirement for training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) for trainees named on training grants. [Back to the top]
I've already taken a non-Harvard training (CITI, NIH, etc.). Do I still have to take HETHR?

Not necessarily. HSC grants two years of credit for the CITI program, Family Health International (FHI)'s online training, and the NIH's online training. If you did not take the non-Harvard training within the past two years, you must complete a refresher training. For questions about other training equivalencies, please contact Anne Boginski (aboginsk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-384-8543). [Back to the top]
I'm going to be working on a study that I believe will qualify for exemption. Do I need to complete human subjects protection training?

If you will be working with human subjects or with data or tissue that is linkable to human subjects, you must complete training in human subjects protections. [Back to the top]
If HSPH is relying on Partners for review and continuing oversight of my study, do I need to complete the HSPH training requirements?

No, If your study was brought under the PHS-HSPH "umbrella" IAA, HSPH would uphold Partners training requirements (CITI). Under these circumstances, Partners will accept HSPH training as a substitute for CITI with current documentation. [Back to the top]
If HSPH is relying on another non-Partners institution for review and continuing oversight of my study, do I need to complete the HSPH training requirements?

No, under these circumstances, you should complete the reviewing institution's training requirements. [Back to the top]

Table of Contents

Answers

General Questions

FAS and University-Area Schools Questions

Harvard Medical School Questions

Harvard School of Public Health Questions