Becoming a Research Volunteer at Mercy Health
Research
Medical research is necessary if physicians are
to develop new medicines and treatments for human diseases. Testing the effects
of new medicines on people is vital - and required by the United States Food
and Drug Administration (FDA). Volunteers play a crucial role in advancing medicine.
Every year, thousands of human volunteers help bring new therapies to the general
public.
Mercy Health Research, a division of St. John's
Mercy Health Care, wants everyone to understand how research works. By learning
the facts, people may see for themselves the safeguards that exist to protect
volunteers, and decide if participation in a medical study is right for them.
To ensure that potential study volunteers understand the process fully, Mercy
Health Research requires each to complete several steps:
Step One: Call Mercy Health Research (314-251-8893
or toll-free, 1-888-44Mercy) or email: MercyHealthResearch@Mercy.net. You will speak to a research coordinator,
who will ask you a series of questions to determine if you are eligible to enter
a particular study. This is called the "screening process."
Step Two: Schedule A Visit. Once you pass
the screening, the research coordinator will schedule you for an appointment
to visit Mercy Health Research. There, you will learn more about the study
and research in general so you may determine if becoming a research
volunteer is right for you.
Step Three: Provide Informed Consent. During
your visit, you will be given a consent form to review. It is very important
that you read and understand this form before proceeding further. The consent
form explains who is sponsoring the study, who is allowed to join, how the
study is designed, how many study-related office visits are required and
the risks involved in the research. The FDA requires that you give your
informed consent before any study-related procedures are performed. Signing
the consent form is the final step before you are permitted to participate.
Informed consent makes it clear that you are joining
a research project on a completely voluntary basis. You cannot be forced to
participate in a medical study against your will. Mercy Health Research will
not be upset or unhappy with you if you decide not to sign the informed consent.
In addition, you are not obligated to continue in a study if you feel it is
not right for you. Your may withdraw your consent at any time.
Once You Start. If you are accepted into
a study, a research coordinator or the doctor in charge of the research
will see you for regular appointments. While each study is different, almost
all involve taking a study medication, participating in medical testing
and keeping records about how you, feel during the study.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What tests will I undergo?
Medical testing conducted during a research study is generally the same as the
testing you may undergo during regular examinations by your primary care physician.
Study personnel may take your blood pressure, draw blood for testing, perform
tests on your heart or lungs, and conduct general physical examinations.
Is there a cost to participate?
These tests and examinations are performed at no cost to you or your insurance
company. Likewise, there is no charge to you for the study medications. In addition,
some studies provide reimbursement for your time and travel expenses.
Who takes care of me during the study? Is my
own doctor involved?
A licensed medical doctor is in charge of the research project and will be responsible
for medical care connected with the study. With your permission, Mercy Health
Research doctors will be happy to share medical information with your personal
physician.
How do I get started?
If participation in a medical research project sounds interesting to you, a
friend or a family member, please contact a research coordinator at Mercy Health
Research today:
Mercy Health Research
12680 Olive Blvd., #200
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: 314-251-8893 or toll-free, 1-888-44Mercy.
We are particularly interested in volunteers who
have the following medical conditions:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Migraine headache
- Chronic tension headache
- Adolescent migraine
If you would like a study coordinator from Mercy
Health Research to contact you with more information, please complete the form
below.
