Medical Research

Medical Research
Medical research helps improve the quality of life for people around the world. Research studies test new medicines, treatments, devices and equipment. This brochure contains information that you would want to know
about medical research studies. Research studies are also called:

• clinical experiments
• clinical research trials
• research tests trials
• research
• research experiments
• experimental studies
• clinical studies
• clinical tests
• clinical trials

As a world-class health care facility, The Medical City conducts relevant and patient-centered medical research studies.   Among them are the following:

Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, stroke and Alzheimer's Disease
Cardiovascular disease such as cardiac rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation, hypertension (high blood pressure), myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Cancer such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal carcinoma,  gastric  cancer,  hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer.

• Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia,  depression,  attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),  bipolar disorder
• Influenza
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pneumonia or pneumococcal infection

If you want to participate or if you are invited to participate in any of these medical researches, here are additional information that you may want to know.

You doctor, another doctor or a researcher will conduct the research study.

Before you are enrolled in a research study, you will be requested to give an “informed consent.”

An informed consent means that the doctor or researcher told you about the research study and its risks.  It also means that you understand what you were told. You will be asked to sign an informed consent form. Take the form home and read it with your family before you decide if you want to sign it.

What should you do if you don't understand the informed consent form or study protocol?
Ask your doctor or the researcher to explain them. In the box is a list of questions that you may want to ask the doctor or the researcher.

Will your health insurance or HMO pay for the cost of the research study?
Research-related expenses are shouldered by the sponsor of research. It is not advised to use private health insurance.

Can the research study make your condition worse?
Ask the doctor or researcher what could happen to you during the study. Ask for a copy of the study “protocol” or plan. Ask about side effects of the medicine, treatment, device or equipment. You will be asked about any side effects while you are in the study.

What is hospital Research Ethics Review Board?
Studies conducted at The Medical City are reviewed by an Ethics Review Board.  This board makes sure that the study is safe and ethical. It can also stop a study if there is a concern about safety.

Whom can you call if you have concerns about the research study?
You can call the investigator or the Hospital Research Office at:

Tel. nos. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6525 of you may email us at rescom@themedicalcity.com

Questions to ask the doctor or researcher

• Why is the research study being done?
• Who is doing the study?
• How long will the study last?
• Will I be able to continue seeing my own doctor?
• Is there any cost to me? Will I be paid to participate in the study?
• Does anyone receive money for my participation in the study?
• What tests or treatments will be used in the study?
• What are my other choices if I decide not to take part in the study?
• Will the new treatment help me more than the regular treatment?
• Could I get a substitute treatment, drug or procedure?
• What could happen to me if I take part in the study? Has anyone reported any bad effects? How serious were they?
• Could my condition get worse during the study? What happens if it does? If my condition worsens, will I be told? How?
• Who pays for my care if I am injured during the study?
• Can I stop participating in the study if I change my mind? Is there any danger to me if I stop participating?
• What will happen to me after the study?
• Will I be told the results of the study?
• Whom do I contact for information about the study?
• Are there any patient advocates I can talk to? (The advocate should not be employed by the clinic or laboratory that is doing the research study.)
• Who could benefit financially from the results of the study?
• Does the doctor or researcher personally benefit if I participate?

For more information regarding medical researches conducted at The Medical City, you may contact:

HOSPITAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE OFFICE
Tel. no. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 local 6525

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444