Checking a Submission for Errors

Checking the study for errors and omissions helps you include all the relevant information, which is critical for receiving a timely review of your study. Using these types of error checking helps you supply all the information the IRB needs:

  • Automatic system error checking identifies any omitted answers to required questions on the form when you click Continue. A red asterisk (*) precedes each blank or question that requires an answer. Keep in mind that the system cannot catch every omission while you edit the study if you skip questions that cause more forms to be added to your study.
  • Visually inspecting the forms to see what you may have missed, especially the following items. To perform a visual inspection, open the study and look through the forms in order. To open the study, see Editing a Submission

Using the Hide/Show Errors option to find and correct all errors before submitting the study. The system automatically checks for errors when the PI attempts to submit the study. However, if you are filling out the forms on behalf of the PI, it is best to check the study for errors before the PI attempts to submit it, using the steps below.

To use Hide/Show Errors to find and correct errors:

1. Open the study, as explained in Editing a Submission.

2. From the top navigation area, click Hide/Show Errors.
 

Image of SmartForm menu with hide show highlighted

The Error/Warning Messages pane appears at the bottom of the window, listing all the current errors and where to find them.
 

Image of SmartForm hide show display details

3. For one of the errors listed, click the link in the Jump To column to go to the form containing the error. 

4. Click Continue to identify the specific questions on the form with errors.

5. Fill in the missing information.

6. Click Refresh in the Error/Warning Messages pane to update the list of errors.

7. Continue correcting errors until no errors are listed.

Research Administration and Compliance Suite Office Hours (ESTR-IRB, Agreements-DUA, Data Safety, OAIR)

The system support team is available during regular office hours to provide one-on-one time to demonstrate system functions, provide training, answer questions, and collect feedback. Sessions cover the entire suite (ESTR-IRB, Agreements-DUA, Data Safety, and OAIR) and are customized based on the registrant preference. 

Office hours are open:
• Tuesdays: 10:00am ET - 11:00am ET
• Thursdays: 3:00pm ET - 4:00pm ET

Please schedule time with us!
1. Visit the Bookings page (linked here) 
2. Choose a time.  Available times (not already booked) will display for 30-minute increments.
3. Share your name and email
4. Click "Book" at the bottom of the page. 

After completing the steps through Bookings, you will receive a confirmation email/calendar invitation reserving the time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at estrhelp@harvard.edu.