Research Studies

What Is a Research Study?​

A research study, also called a clinical trial or research experiment, is a way for scientists and researchers to find out information about a particular topic, answer a research question, evaluate whether new treatments are safe and effective, or to answer a specific question. Research is not the same as treatment.

Research has led to important discoveries that make our lives better. Some examples are:​

• new medications and medical procedures
• vaccines​
• improved medical procedures​
• new or improved tests (like ultrasounds, X-ray machines, etc.)​

During a Research study or in a clinical trial:

• When there is no standard treatment available, scientists may compare the new medications or treatment to a placebo. A placebo looks like a drug or treatment being tested but isn’t meant to change anything. Placebos are not used if an effective treatment is already available or if you would be put at risk by not having effective therapy. Patients are told if placebos are used in the study before enrolling as part of the informed consent process.
• One way researchers assign patients to receive the research treatment, a comparative treatment, or a placebo is called randomization. Randomization means that you will be randomly assigned to receive one of the treatments in a research study—it’s like flipping a coin.  

Why Should You Volunteer for a Research Study?​

By volunteering for research, you can help researchers discover answers to questions to improve people’s lives, find new treatments, cure illnesses and provide better care.

What Are the Risks and Benefits?

• There may or may not be a direct benefit to you when participating in a research study.
• Being a volunteer for a research study may help researchers learn more about diseases or conditions and develop new treatments in the future.
• Research studies may involve some degree of risk.
• Some studies have only minor risks, such as answering questions that may make you feel uncomfortable.
• In other studies, the risks may be greater, such as having a side effect to a study medication.
• The research team is required to explain to you the foreseeable risks of being in the study before you decide whether to participate.
• You will also be notified of any new risks that arise during your participation in the study.

Who Can Participate?

Every research study has specific criteria that define who can participate in the study. The study team will review your medical record and may ask you questions to confirm that you are eligible to participate.

Your participation in a research study is voluntary, and you have the right to refuse participation in a study. If you decide to participate in a study, you can change your mind and stop at any time. Your decision to participate in research will not affect your medical care or how you are treated.

During your hospital visit, you may be approached by a member of the research study team to discuss your interest in participating in a research study. They will provide some information you may want to consider when thinking about participating in a research study.

For more information, please contact the Research Department at (718) 226-6256 or SIUHResearch@northwell.edu.