RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS
Clinical research studies play an important role in discovering
ways to understand, treat, and prevent medical problems. Participants make it
possible for the doctors and scientists of the clinical research center to
accomplish these studies.
Clinical research studies include human volunteers in an effort
to answer specific scientific questions. These carefully reviewed studies provide the information to understand health processes and
develop treatments that work in people.
Research
participants take an active role in research by helping doctors and scientists
learn about various health problems and diseases. Knowledge gained through these
research studies may help others live longer, healthier lives.
Before volunteering, participants should ask themselves:
-
Do I have
time to participate?
-
Am I
prepared to accept any possible risks or side effects associated with the
study?
-
Am I interested in what is being studied?
Informed Consent
Because protecting rights and safety are so important, participation in a
clinical research study is only possible if participants first understand all
the possible risks and benefits associated with the study.
Once participants understand the study aspects, and their subject
rights, they will be invited to sign an informed consent form. This form
contains a detailed description of the study. By signing the informed consent
form participants
indicate that they understand the research study and agree to participate.
Subject Rights
Participants
have the right to be told:
-
the purpose
of the study
-
what will
happen and how those procedures differ from standard practice
-
about
possible risks and/or side effects
-
of any
benefits that could result
-
about other
possible choices and their advantages/disadvantages
-
what
treatment is offered if complications occur
-
that they can
refuse to participate (and change their mind once the study has begun)
-
that they
are free
from pressure when deciding whether to participate on the study
Participants should receive
a copy of the signed and dated informed consent form.
In addition, participants should also have an awareness of what will be
expected of them, what they might expect to learn from the study, and if they will
receive compensation.
For more
information please contact
Research Nurse, RSSO
Nancy Brown, R.N.
617-667-0332; Fax: 617-667-5953
E-mail:
nbrown@bidmc.harvard.edu
The
Harvard-Thorndike CRC is funded by Grant M01 RR01032 from the NCRR, NIH
Please send general questions about
the CRC to the
Administrative Manager.
Technical questions about this Web site can be addressed to the GCRC's
Webmaster.
Clinical Research Center
(CRC)
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Copyright © 2008, Informatics Core. All rights reserved.
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