Participating in Research: What You Should Know

Before deciding to join a research study, it is recommended that you take time to learn about it. It is best to know as much as possible about the study before deciding to participate.  

What is a research study?

The goal of a research study is to help better understand our world. Studies may be focused on a variety of subjects – from psychology to medicine to engineering to math. 

Researchers usually begin a study by asking a research question, such as “Why does my heartbeat faster when I drink coffee?” Then, they can either design an experiment or look at previously collected data (such as information included in medical records) to help answer the research question.

Some research studies are brief – lasting only a day or a couple weeks – whereas others can stretch decades. 

What is health research?

Health research is a specific type of research that helps find new ways to understand and treat health conditions. Most of us have benefitted from research even if we do not realize it. There are lots of different reasons why health research is conducted. For example, studies may be seeking a better way to:

What are the different ways I can participate in research?

You can participate in many types of research, depending on what the researchers are trying to study. As a part of a study you may be asked to:

Why should I participate in research?

As a participant, you have the opportunity to be involved in research that could bring about advances in science and health care. Your involvement helps researchers uncover better ways to treat, prevent, diagnose and understand different health conditions. By participating in health research, you have the ability to impact how patients are cared for and treated.

Here are a few other ways you might benefit by being involved in research:

• Using a new device, drug, or method first 
• Understanding your condition or your general health
• Close monitoring, support, and follow up between regularly scheduled care visits
• Improving treatment for others with the same condition
• Increasing your interest in wellness and your engagement in the healthcare system 

How do I know if health research is safe?

At the University at Buffalo, studies go a thorough an approval process by the Institutional Review Board  (IRB). The IRB is made up of doctors, researchers, and members of the community. Its role is to make sure that each study is ethical and that the rights and safety of all participants are protected. Among other things, the IRB makes sure that the research is as safe as possible for participants and information shared by participants is collected and kept in a safe manner. Additionally, all trials that involve a drug or device must adhere to strict Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

Any study may have potential risks that you need to know before deciding to enroll. All participants sign a consent form, which aims to help them to better understand the study they are interested in and clearly describes the risks involved. Any questions you may have should be answered before you join the study.

Once enrolled in a study, a participant may leave the study at any time without any consequences. 

Know who to contact:

• Eligibility — for questions about a specific study and participation, call or e-mail the contact person listed for that study.
• Your rights — for questions about your rights as a research participant, contact the UB Research Advocate at  researchadvocate@buffalo.edu or 716-888-4845.

Other health research resources:

Sources:

https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/clinicaltrials/13016 
https://ufhealth.org/search/research-studies 
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/about-studies/learn#ClinicalTrials 
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/basics 
https://www.fda.gov/patients/clinical-trials-what-patients-need-know/what-are-different-types-clinical-research