Participating in research can provide access to new approaches to manage disease and make a life-saving difference in the lives of other people. Research also helps advance knowledge in health science and provide unique training and professional growth opportunities for clinicians, staff and students.
While a patient at Eskenazi Health, you may be asked to participate in a research study. Participating in research is voluntary, so before the research begins, you will be asked to agree to participate. This process of seeking your agreement is called “informed consent.” During the informed consent process, researchers educate potential research participants about the research project and ask whether they want to participate. Informed consent can be a very simple process, such as reading a paragraph of information before taking a survey. It may also be more involved, depending on the research. For example, medical research projects often involve a face-to-face conversation with the research team before you agree to participate.
Here are some questions to ask before you agree to participate in a research project:
The purpose of the research
What the research activities will entail for you
Whether or not you will benefit from participating in the research
Whether the research might expose you to risk
How long the study will last
What the researcher will do with your information
You are never required to participate in research. Declining or withdrawing from research will never affect your relationship with your care provider. If you have questions about your right as a research participant, there is more information available at the IU Research website.
If you are interested in participating in research opportunities, please speak with your health care provider about studies for which you may be eligible.