Participating in a research study

If you are interested in participating in one of our research studies, it’s important that you understand our process, what is needed to participate, and what you can expect as a participant. This is outlined below. Additional information can also be found in our FAQs.

Informed consent forms

Before joining a research study, all participants must first sign an informed consent form. This document clearly explains the project, your role in the research study, any risks that may exist, the length of the study, and other important details. We encourage all participants to take as much time as they need to review the information given. The research study coordinator will then meet with you to answer any questions you may have.

Your first study visit

At your first study visit, the informed consent form is signed (if not previously signed) and we collect your baseline medical data. For example, we will ask about your medical and surgical history, smoking history, and overall health. We will also ask about any current or recent medications, and will check blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight before the study doctor performs a brief physical examination. Blood work, lung function testing, a cardiogram, or other medical diagnostic tests may also be performed at this time.

Follow-up visits

Once your initial visit is over, you will return regularly for brief follow-up study visits. At each appointment, we ask how you have been since your last visit, whether there have been any changes to your medications, and whether you have seen any other doctors or required a visit to the hospital. We check your study diary (a record of your medications and symptoms), and collect and dispense medication. Other procedures may also be performed, depending on the particular requirements of the research program. Staff will advise you as to what to expect during your next scheduled visit.

Your final study visit

On your final study visit, all of your study-related items, such as medications and diaries, are collected, and final study assessments will be completed. If required, the study physician may perform another brief physical examination.

Support and feedback

Throughout these visits, we actively encourage you to ask questions or voice concerns. We also provide participants with the office telephone number for the principle research coordinator, as well as a 24-hour emergency telephone number.