What is clinical research? What are the benefits? What studies are available? All of these are questions that many of you have when it comes to the idea of participating in or learning about a clinical research study. VPFW is partnering with Clinical Research Partners (CRP) to participate in clinical research projects to assist in the evolution of care for women. CRP began their journey in June 2011 to provide high-quality clinical trials of new medicines and treatments.
According to Clinical Research Partners’ website, clinical research is . . .
Clinical research refers to studies in which people participate as patients or healthy volunteers. Different terms are used to describe clinical research, including:
- Clinical studies
- Clinical trials
- Studies
- Research
- Trials
- Protocols
What are the goals?
- Developing new treatments or medications
- Identifying causes of illness
- Studying trends
- Evaluating ways in which genetics may be related to an illness
Depending on the focus of the study, there are different types of clinical research. Below are descriptions of some of the different types.
Treatment Research generally involves an intervention such as medication, psychotherapy, new devices, or new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy.
Prevention Research looks for better ways to prevent disorders from developing or returning. Different kinds of prevention research may study medicines, vitamins, vaccines, minerals, or lifestyle changes.
Diagnostic Research refers to the practice of looking for better ways to identify a particular disorder or condition.
Screening Research aims to find the best ways to detect certain disorders or health conditions.
Quality of Life Research explores ways to improve comfort and the quality of life for individuals with a chronic illness.
Genetic studies aim to improve the prediction of disorders by identifying and understanding how genes and illnesses may be related. Research in the area may explore ways in which a person’s genes make him or her more or less likely to develop a disorder. This may lead to development of tailor-made treatments based on a patient’s genetic make-up.
Epidemiological studies seek to identify the patterns, causes, and control of disorders in groups of people.
An important note: some clinical research is “outpatient,” meaning that participants do not stay overnight at the hospital. Some are “inpatient,” meaning that participants will need to stay for at least one night in the hospital or research center. Be sure to ask the researchers what their study requires.
Benefits of clinical research
Without research volunteers medicine cannot advance and develop – making the volunteers a critical piece to the future of medicine, and the health of future generations. Did you know most studies even involve compensation for your time and travel? Not only do research volunteers have access to new medications that may improve their conditions, but insurance is not required in order to obtain the medications they may receive. One of the best benefits to be a volunteer is the wealth of free information without waiting in line.
Current research studies available at our Midlothian Turnpike location:
Endometriosis Study with 8 Month Commitment
Purpose of the Study
Research Study currently evaluating an oral investigational medication to see if it may reduce moderate to severe endometriosis-associated pain.
Eligibility
You may qualify to participate if you:
- Are premenopausal, 18-49 years old
- Have regular menstrual cycles
- Have had a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis within the past 10 years
- Have moderate to sever pain due to endometriosis during most recent menses and while off menses
- Are not pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant
- Do not have osteoporosis or any bone disease
Commitment
This study has a commitment duration of 8 months with 7 visits
Compensation
If you qualify and decide to participate, you may receive up to $350.00 if all scheduled visits are completed.
Uterine Fibroid & Investigational Medicine Study
Purpose of the Study
Research study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational oral medication for uterine fibroids.
Eligibility
You may qualify to participate if you:
- Are 18 or older
- You have uterine fibroids or think you have uterine fibroids
- You experience frequent heavy periods and/or pelvic pain
Commitment
This study has a commitment duration of 1.5-2.5 years with up to 12 scheduled visits.
Compensation
If you qualify and decide to participate, you may receive up to $1,540 if all study visits are completed.
Uterine Fibroid & Heavy Bleeding Study
Purpose of the Study
Research study to test whether an investigational drug that targets specific female hormones could help women with heavy bleeding due to fibroids.
Eligibility
You may qualify to participate if you:
- Are 18 or older
- Must suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids
- Are not planning on becoming pregnant in the next two years
Commitment
This study has a commitment duration of 85 weeks with 13 in-clinic study visits.
Compensation
If you qualify and decide to participate, you may receive up to $2,050 if all study visits are completed.
To learn more or see if you qualify for any of these studies, call 804-920-0819
To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call us at 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.