ResearchMatch: Information for Researchers

ResearchMatch brings together people who are trying to find research studies and clinical trials, and researchers who are looking for volunteers. ResearchMatch is a free and online tool created by academic institutions across the country. Learn more about ResearchMatch at https://www.researchmatch.org/

HRPP Instructions for Researchers

Any use of ResearchMatch must be reviewed and approved by the MSU ResearchMatch Institutional Liaison. In addition, MSU IRB approval to use ResearchMatch as a recruitment tool must be obtained for non-exempt research prior to using this mechanism for recruitment of subjects and must be maintained throughout its use on each project. For exempt research, the HRP-536 is submitted with the exempt study. To facilitate the review of requests to use ResearchMatch, please follow the instructions below.

• New or Approved MSU IRB Non-Exempt Studies
  1. Request approval to use ResearchMatch
     • New IRB Study Submission (Expedited or Full Board)
       • Within the HRP-503 Template:
         • Question11A, Describe how subjects will be identified and recruited . . .: As part of the answer, indicate that ResearchMatch will be used for recruitment (e.g. “ResearchMatch will be used for recruitment.”)
       • Within the MSU SmartForm Additional Study Information:
         • Question 12 (2) Identify materials that will be used to recruit subjects (select all that apply): Select “Use of websites or Apps (e.g. Facebook, ResearchMatch)
       • Modification (Expedited or Full Board)
         • Within the “Modification” SmartForm:
           • Question 4, Summarize the Modifications: As part of the answer, indicate that ResearchMatch will be used (e.g.“ResearchMatch will be used for recruitment. ResearchMatch message will be sent to ResearchMatch volunteers who may be a match for a given study. The recruitment message is attached for review.”)
         • Within the HRP-503 Template:
           • Question11A, Describe how subjects will be identified and recruited . .: Modify the answer to indicate that ResearchMatch will be used for recruitment (e.g. “ResearchMatch will be used for recruitment.”)
           • Make sure to submit the modified HRP-503 template as an attachment in the Click™ Research Compliance System
         • Within the MSU SmartForm Additional Study Information:
           • Question 12 (2) Identify materials that will be used to recruit subjects (select all that apply): Select “Use of websites or Apps (e.g. Facebook, ResearchMatch)

  2. Submit the recruitment text as an attachment when the New IRB Study or Modification submission is submitted
     • Use HRP-536 template “Recruitment Message for ResearchMatch” to develop the recruitment message text
     • Submit HRP-536 with the New IRB Study Submission (Expedited or Full Board) or the Modification IRB Submission (Expedited or Full Board)
     • Within the Click SmartForm page “Consent Forms and Recruitment Materials,” upload the template.
• Studies Determined Exempt by the MSU HRPP
  1. When planning to use ResearchMatch for a new study that is anticipated to be determined ‘exempt’, use the HRP-536 template to submit the recruitment message with the initial IRB application
  2. If adding the use of ResearchMatch to an existing exempted study, submit HRP-536 through Add Comment.
• Reliance Upon Another IRB as the IRB of Record
  • Investigators must obtain review and approval for use of ResearchMatch and the associated recruitment material through the IRB of Record.
  • To assist the ResearchMatch Institutional Liaison, you may upload the HRP-536 with the Click submission for an External IRB Request. Please note that the document must still be provided to the External IRB for review and approval.
  • Contact the MSU ResearchMatch Liaison to determine the appropriate template for use to coordinate with the single IRB process.

MSU Site Specific Instructions For Researcher Registration with ResearchMatch

• Access Definitions

  ‘Feasibility access’ allows users to scan the registry and see aggregate information showing the approximate number of ResearchMatch Volunteers who meet the researcher’s study criteria.

  ‘Recruitment access’ allows investigators to search and contact volunteers that indicate interest in specific IRB-approved studies and appear to be a ‘good match’.

• Initial Registration with ResearchMatch

  Please note: You will need to complete the entire registration process in one sitting.  Before getting started, make sure you are ready to register as a ResearchMatch researcher at Michigan State University by answering the following 2 questions.

  Question 1. Are you employed by Michigan State University?

  • If yes, go to question 2.
  • If no, you may not use this tool at this time as it is only available to people employed by sites that have signed the ResearchMatch agreement.

   

  Question 2. Do you want to view ResearchMatch for feasibility purposes or actual recruitment?

  • If feasibility, please Register for feasibility access on Step 2 of the ResearchMatch registration process. This will allow you to view aggregate data regarding the ResearchMatch population starting today. Remember to include your institutional email address when registering (e.g: janedoe@edu)
  • If recruitment, do you have IRB approval to use ResearchMatch as a recruitment tool for this study?
    • If yes, please go to “Register for Recruitment Access Steps” below
    • If no, please follow these instructions:

  Step 1. Register for feasibility access on Step 2 of the ResearchMatch registration process, if you haven’t yet. Remember to include your institutional email address when registering (e.g: janedoe@msu.edu)

  Step 2. Submit an initial IRB application, application for exemption, or IRB amendment (existing studies) requesting use of ResearchMatch as a recruitment tool. 

  Step 3. Submit the ResearchMatch Recruitment Template HRP-536 with the submission. The template can be found on the IRB website. If using a REDCap survey and link through ResearchMatch, submit both the survey and the associated link to the IRB for review and approval.

  Step 4. Once you have been granted IRB approval to use ResearchMatch, you may login with your username and password and add your study to the system through the researcher dashboard. Upload 1 document containing both the r IRB letter of approval or exemption noting use of ResearchMatch for recruitment, and the IRB approved ResearchMatch Template form HRP-536 - please note these must combined and be uploaded as one document.

• Register for ResearchMatch Recruitment Access directions:

  Proceed by registering for ResearchMatch (RM) recruitment access if you meet the following additional requirements:

  • You are the Principal Investigator (PI) or an individual who is authorized to recruit for an IRB-approved study on behalf of the study PI (proxy) at Michigan State University.
    • If you are not the PI you are considered a proxy and you must provide the contact name, email, and phone number of the PI.
    • A proxy will need to be verified by the PI through a ResearchMatch process prior to their using the system for recruitment.

  • You can upload one document containing both the IRB letter of approval or exemption noting use of ResearchMatch for recruitment, and the ResearchMatch recruitment message form HRP-536.
    • Documentation must include the IRB approval or exemption letter and the ResearchMatch recruitment message form HRP-536. These documents should be scanned to one file for uploading on the ResearchMatch website.
    • For Exempt studies: Studies will receive an IRB exemption letter. Exempt studies do not have an expiration date, but ResearchMatch will use 1 year as the recruitment access approval period after which the Researcher will be contact to verify there have been no changes, and continued use is requested.
    • For studies relying on another IRB of record: The IRB approval letter from the non-MSU IRB of record must include a valid IRB expiration date if applicable, and indicate approval to use ResearchMatch as a recruitment tool. The ResearchMatch recruitment message must also be approved by the IRB of record and uploaded with as part of the submission.

  If you do not have IRB approval to use ResearchMatch but wish to register today, please proceed with requesting feasibility access when you register. Once you are logged in as a registered ResearchMatch researcher you may add a study at any time.

• ResearchMatch Institutional Liaison review and granting of recruitment access

  Once Institutional Liaisons are notified of recruitment access requests, recruitment access is granted after verification of submission of correct study information and IRB approval documentation. This will allow the researcher to enter study inclusion/exclusion criteria on their ResearchMatch dashboard search builder which yields a list of potential matches that can receive the approved ResearchMatch recruitment message (form HRP-536 language) through ResearchMatch.

  Researchers must notify the institutional liaison if changes to study recruitment plans occur. These changes include but are not limited to study amendments affecting recruitment, notifications of changes to recruitment duration, or closure of recruitment or studies.

Research Match Forms

• HRP-536 - Template - Recruitment Message for ResearchMatch
• MSU ResearchMatch.Org Researcher Acknowledgement Form