Participants

When scientists try to answer a question about people and their health, they often turn to a clinical study (a study using humans) to do so. The questions may be about a new way to treat you when you are sick, how well it works, if it is safe, or if it works better than current treatments, if there are things you can do every day to help you stay healthy and live longer.  

Clinical studies can lead to new information that can improve our health and lives. These studies help scientists and doctors find new and better ways to take care of and treat patients.

Studies in the CTRU are usually led by scientists and doctors who work at Ohio University or who are working together with other scientists or doctors at local hospitals, clinics, or universities.

Each study is different. The time and number of visits will be different for each study. Please let us know if you have questions about a study.

Each study is not the same and each will have different risks. You may be asked to do things in a study with low to high risk. For example, some studies may ask you to answer questions about your health history, the way you live, and about what you eat. In some studies, scientists will want to see how tall you are, how much you weigh, or measure your blood pressure. Other studies may have a higher risk with procedures that draw blood, put in an IV, or a take a sample of your muscle. You have a right to ask questions and know what you are being asked to do.

You may learn new things about your health and the way you live that you did not know. Or you may not benefit, but society may get good information from the study.

Some studies give payment for being in the study.  You may get money, a gift card, or something else of value. Please ask us about the study you may want to do.

No, you do not need to pay to be in a study. You will not be billed for supplies and tests that are done only for the study.  While you are in a study, you may see your doctor and have tests that are part of your normal medical care. The bills for your normal medical care will not be paid for by the study. If you are in a study when you go to your doctor visit, you will still need to pay for the normal parts of your healthcare. Expenses that are part of the study, will be paid for by the study.

The CTRU is on the OHIO University campus (West Green). It is on the second floor of Irvine Hall.  Some study visits may take place at the OhioHealth Castrop Center.

Please refer to our parking map, as well as written driving directions for help finding us.  When you arrive, please park in one of our reserved parking spots in lot 114 or 115 (single spot) that are marked with a sign that says, “Community Clinic & CTRU Parking Only. Parking by Permit or Permission Only”.

Our studies can be found here. You can also sign up to get emails from us about other studies by joining our registry.

The same ethical and legal rules that apply to medicine also apply to research. The federal government oversees research on humans, and this protects all volunteers. Your personal and medical information is kept private and is only seen by people who are allowed to see it. Sometimes, your information may have to be shared with other groups that protect research volunteers, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Human Research Protections, or members of Ohio University, including the Institutional Review Board, a team that oversees the research at Ohio University.

Before joining a clinical study, a study team member will talk to you about the study and tell you about the risks and benefits. This process is called informed consent. You will get the information you need to decide about being in the study. If you decide to be in a study, you may choose to leave the study at any time.

Yes. You should still see your family doctor and continue your normal care. Your doctor can work with the research team to be sure you can continue your normal treatments.