Volunteer Information

Why Volunteer for a Study?

Many medical discoveries have been made due to the help of volunteer participants in medical research. Being part of a study could provide you with the latest treatment, improve medical treatment for others and even save lives.

Before you participate in a study, the study staff explain:

  • The purpose of the study
  • Your rights as a participant, including your right not to participate or to drop out of the study at any time
  • Your responsibilities in the study Any possible effects of the study, including possible benefits and risks (As part of this process you will be asked to sign a consent form.)
  • How long the study will take

If it is a study that has an intervention (such as a drug or procedure), you will also be given information about:

  • Your chances of being in the treatment group
  • How you will be assigned to a group
  • Any risks of being in a group
  • Other alternatives you may want to consider as treatment rather than being in the study

Courtesy of ActionHealth

 

Your Contribution to Research

Studies dealing with many diseases are being done in the GCRC. Your participation in one or more studies is important to the advancement of medical knowledge and patient care. These new therapies and technologies may benefit you or someone close to you. Before you are admitted to the GCRC, your study coordinator will explain to you what role you have in the study. We hope that your visit in the GCRC will be an educational as well as a rewarding experience.

 

Nursing

Registered nurses support researchers by carrying out blood draws, giving medicines, checking heart rate and rhythm, and doing many other tasks. We check our participants’ responses to research studies to ensure their comfort and safety.

The outpatient nurse manager directs the nursing activities of the outpatient GCRC.

The GCRC unit secretary greets participants and coordinates the schedules received from the study coordinators.

 

Helpful Information

To help us better serve you and our research teams, we request that you:

  • Please arrive on time and let the receptionist know you are here.
  • Please feel free to ask questions.

 

Length of Your Visit

The time you spend in the GCRC depends on the particular study in which you are involved. It could be anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours or more.

 

Confidentiality and Privacy

Information that the Health Care Team gets about a study participant is private and cannot be given to others without the participant’s agreement. If you need to discuss a personal matter with your study coordinator or nurse, a private room will be provided.

 

Smoking Policy

We are currently a smoke free facility. Smoking is not allowed within any part of the Medical Center or on Medical Center property.

 

What to Bring

If you are going to be in the GCRC for a long period of time, you may wish to bring a book or magazine. There may be a video player to watch TV or movies but be prepared to have something else to do in case the TV is being used.

 

Directions

Your study coordinator will tell you what time to report to the GCRC nursing station and where to park your car.

If you have any problems or concerns related to your visit to the GCRC, please contact us at 1-800-585-9585.