Take part in research

Types of research

We use clinical and non-clinical research to find out if medicines, devices, treatments and diagnostic medical tools are safe and effective.

The findings from a research study can change the way we care for people in Australia and around the world.

Clinical research includes:

• clinical trials
• observational studies
• testing new drugs or medical devices
• using patient data
• testing samples of urine, blood or other items.

Non-clinical research doesn’t involve direct contact with patients. It's focused on generating new knowledge and developing new concepts, methodologies and understandings.

This type of research often lays the groundwork for further clinical studies.

Clinical trials

A clinical trial is a form of clinical research where people volunteer to evaluate new treatments, interventions, or tests. These are aimed at preventing, detecting, treating, or managing different diseases or medical conditions.

Clinical trials include:

• having surgical and medical treatments and procedures
• taking experimental drugs
• using biological products, such as blood, cells or saliva
• testing medical devices
• changes to how we deliver health services
• preventing health issues
• health related education.

Read more about clinical trials in Metro South Health.

What it involves

The level of involvement depends on what the researchers are investigating.

Research can be something as simple as an interview or questionnaire.

It can also involve:

• giving researchers permission to look at your medical history
• giving blood or urine samples
• testing a new medicine or medical treatment - this is called clinical trial.

The benefits of taking part in research

When you take part in research, you're helping to improve medical knowledge about a disease or condition and how we can treat it.

In some cases, it may improve the health of other people with the same disease or condition.

Risks

There may be some risks if you take part in research.

We always test new drugs, devices or procedures in a non-clinical setting first. These may have been tested on animals to find out how much risk might be involved.

We may know about some side effects but not others. And each person may react differently to a medicine or procedure.

You may also have to stop taking your usual medicines to test how effective the new one is. There could be risks with that.

We'll describe any risks we know about in the informed consent form. Researchers will give this to you before you decide to take part in research with us and answer any questions you have.

Human research is regulated and governed by legal and ethical codes. Our human research ethics committee is responsible for reviewing the scientific and ethical requirements of research. And to protect the welfare and rights of anyone taking part in research.

Costs

It doesn't cost anything to take part in research. They're usually sponsored by government agencies, universities, medical centres, pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers.

Informed consent

Before you take part in research, you need to know everything about it so you can decide if it's right for you.

For example, you'll need to know:

• what the research is for
• how long it will take
• about all the procedures and appointments
• who the main contact people are.

We'll explain any potential known risks and the benefits before you agree to take part. This is called informed consent.

You can ask your doctor or another clinician any questions about the research. Don't be afraid to ask about anything that you don't understand.

You'll need to sign an informed consent form before we enrol you in a research project.

Is taking part voluntary?

Taking part in research is voluntary. Only you can decide what's best for you.

You can also change your mind at any time. Your treatment won't be affected, and you'll continue to get the best care we're able to offer.

Get involved in research

If you're interested in taking part in research, talk to your treating clinician about joining a clinical trial.

The Translational Research Institute Australia has a list of trials and research studies that you can volunteer for.

You can also see if the following registers have any research project or trials you think may be suitable.

• Clinical trials and projects (DoRA) on the Queensland Health website.
• Australian Clinical Trials on the Australian Government website.
• Join Us a national research register.

Using human tissue for research

We use human tissue in all types of research, such as finding out what causes diseases, developing new tests or new medicines.

Tissue banks

We store tissue samples (biospecimens) at in research biobanks. These are linked to a person's personal and health information. This gives researchers access to samples and data from a large number of people.

They can only be used for health and medical research and only with your consent.

Tissue samples include things like:

• blood
• lymph node
• bone marrow
• tumour
• saliva
• cheek (buccal) cells
• hair follicles
• urine.

Cancer research

We use tissue samples from different types of cancer to support research projects. Some large scale research projects have led to new treatments and better results for patients.

Talk to your treating clinician if you're interested in contributing to our research biobanks.