Fore-runners in Bariatric Medicine and Research
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| Lisa Harris, M.D. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: What is the purpose of clinical research? A: The Chase Wellness & Research Center performs carefully designed and medically-supervised clinical research trials for major pharmaceutical companies to test the effectiveness of medications and medical treatments. The clinical trial process is important in making new and improved prescription drugs available. Q: Why Volunteer? A: Volunteering to participate in a research study offers participants a chance to learn more about their physical condition while allowing medical professionals to learn more effective ways to treat illness. The data gathered from clinical trials aids the development of new treatments. Participation is free and includes study- related medication and continual care throughout the trial. In many cases, financial compensation is available for your time and travel. Q: Should I participate in a medical research study? A: If you are interested in participating in a specific research study, you will be given a detailed description of that study and what’s expected of you, along with a consent form. This information will include the benefits and possible risks of participation. In addition, you will be medically screened to make sure you are a good candidate for a clinical trial. Be sure to discuss any questions you have with a medical professional and make an informed decision about volunteering. Q: What can I expect? A: Once you are enrolled in a study, your medical history will be reviewed and you may receive a study-related physical examination. You will be free to discuss your medical treatment with researchers at any time during the course of the study. It is important that you take all the medication as prescribed and keep all the scheduled visits. It is also important for you to answer questions regarding how you feel and whether you have been taking the medication at the scheduled times. Your study physician needs to record any adverse reactions or side effects you may experience, no matter how minor they may seem. As a volunteer, you have the right to leave the study at any time. Volunteers in a study group may receive a study drug, a treatment that is already available on the market, or a placebo. A placebo looks like the study medication but contains no active ingredients and has no medical effect. The level of care you receive is the same whether you receive a placebo or the investigational drug. Q: What happens after the study? A: The information collected by researchers is analyzed to determine the side effects of the investigational drug, how well it works, and how safe it is. Food and Drug Administration medical advisors review this data carefully before considering the investigational drug for approval. If you have any of the conditions below, you may be eligible to receive study-related medical care through our clinical research trial program. For more information, call 757.460.4300 or e-mail us.
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