Research Education
Purpose
Change purpose statement to “The Human Subject Research Education Program is a cornerstone of CHRISTUS Health's commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in research involving human participants. Its primary objective is to cultivate a research environment where ethical conduct is not just encouraged but expected and deeply understood across all levels—from seasoned researchers and faculty to students and support staff.
This program aims to equip all PI's and Sub-I's with essential knowledge of federal regulations such as the Common Rule, institutional review board (IRB) procedures, and key ethical principles outlined in documents like the Belmont Report. Topics covered include informed consent, risk-benefit analysis, privacy and confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and the ethical management of vulnerable populations.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the program emphasizes the moral responsibility of researchers to uphold respect for persons, beneficence, and justice in every phase of the research process. Participants are encouraged to engage in critical thinking, open dialogue, and ongoing education to navigate complex ethical scenarios with thoughtfulness and care.
By fostering this deep, shared understanding, the program seeks to build a culture where integrity, accountability, and transparency are woven into the fabric of our research practices. In doing so, we ensure that the dignity and welfare of human subjects remain at the forefront—and that our institution encourages responsible and ethical research.
Click here for an overview of our research education program.
Statement of Commitment
“In order to fulfill our unwavering commitment for ensuring high-quality standards towards human research subject protections at CHRISTUS Health, it is vital for us to offer a comprehensive, ongoing, in-house Research Education Program. The components of our Research Education Program provide training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), consistent with the principles of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) E6 (R2). This program is required and available to all investigators and research personnel involved in the conduct, oversight, and/or management of research studies approved by CHRISTUS Health IRB, and other approved external IRBs.”
-Vicki LaRue, MAPD, MPhil, LVN
System Director, Clinical Operations Support & Institutional Official
Resource and Information
“A standard for the design, conduct, performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analyses, and reporting of clinical trials that provides assurance that the data and reported results are credible and accurate, and that rights, integrity, and confidentiality of trial subjects are protected.” -ICH Ed 1.24
The GCP lectures are focused on up-to-date and relevant information that researchers need to conduct quality, safe, and ethical research. There are at least 6 credit hours of GCP offered annually by the CHRISTUS Health IRB. Please email the CHRISTUS Health IRB to be added to the GCP notification email list at CHRISTUS.IRB@christushealth.org.
All researchers must complete CITI training at the onset of their research. The initial CITI training requirement will expire three years after the initial year the course was completed. During the three year period (prior to the expiration date), researchers can remain certified through completion of one of the following:
- Retake the full initial CITI course
- Take the CITI refresher courses
For more information on CITI or for a CITI account please click here.
Please click on the links below to download the provided resources.