Email this pageIs clinical research safe?
All clinical research is designed with important safeguards in place.
- Most clinical research is federally regulated. Numerous laws and guidelines help protect the safety and privacy of participants in clinical research.
- All clinical research at the University of Rochester Medical Center is reviewed by panels of doctors, researchers and community members to help protect the health and safety of participants.
- We also work with Community Advisory Boards, which help us understand community priorities regarding research and how our research impacts the community.
Writing the book on safety.
Still, some people have concerns about the safety of clinical research. That is completely understandable. In the past, a few misguided studies gave clinical research a bad name.
Fortunately, the safeguards and regulations we have in place today make such events inconceivable. In fact, the University of Rochester Medical Center has been a leader in protecting the health and safety of study volunteers.
A manual we created, called Protecting Study Volunteers in Research, was originally intended as a training guide for our own researchers and scientists. It is now used by research institutions across the country and is recognized as one of the definitive resources on the topic of safety in clinical research.
Understanding the risks.
Even so, there are risks involved in any medical research, and it is important for you to understand them thoroughly. So be sure to talk about any risks, discomfort or possible side effects with your doctor and with the researchers involved.
Protecting your confidentiality.
Your confidentiality will be protected. Your name and other information that identifies you will not be sent outside of URMC unless we have your written permission. In some cases, the law may allow us to send your personal information. If you have any concerns, contact us at (585) 275-1020 or ask your study coordinator for more information.
