Below are some common questions about research You can click on the question and find the answer.
Clinical Research FAQ
It might be confusing to tell apart clinical research from your own medical care, especially if your doctor is also doing research. When you get medical care, you and your doctor work together to create a plan just for you. In clinical research, you and the researcher follow a strict plan called a "protocol." This protocol can't usually be changed by your doctor or the researcher. But, the protocol does include what to do if you start to feel worse.
At Duke, some research is funded by government agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. About one-fifth of the funding is from the government, and a bit more than one-fifth comes from companies that create medicines. Other research is funded by money from charities, various hospitals, or Duke itself.
At Duke Health, research studies happen in various locations within the Duke Health system. Some studies might even be done entirely online or at your home.
Just like with regular medical care, researchers must follow rules to keep you safe and make sure you know about any risks. Your privacy is also a top priority, protected by strict laws. Your personal information is kept confidential, and your name isn't shared when results are published.
Before you join a study, the research team will explain everything you need to know to help you decide if you want to participate. This includes the study's purpose, what will be required from you, and any potential risks or benefits.
Yes, you're always free to leave a study at any time, and it won't affect your usual healthcare.
After the study is over, researchers analyze the data to see if the new treatment works and is safe. If it is, it might become a standard health care option. The findings are usually shared online, and you'll be informed about the results if you were part of the study.
If you're considering joining a study, you can find more information on websites like ClinicalTrials.gov or by asking the study team directly. If you have concerns or questions during the study, you can reach out to the Duke Institutional Review Board Office at 919-668-5111 or use their online contact form to get in touch.