Volunteer FAQs
What is a clinical study?
Clinical studies, also known as clinical trials or research studies, help physicians
and researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Health find ways to improve health.
Each study tries to answer specific scientific questions and is designed to find
safe and effective ways to better prevent, diagnose and treat disease.
Why would I consider participating in a clinical study?
As an academic medical center, Wake Forest Baptist Health has access to
hundreds of clinical studies that can offer you medical treatments not available
anywhere else. People also volunteer because they may have lost a relative to
a disease and want to do what they can to further studies in that field.
Whatever the reason, participating in a clinical study is your chance to help
bring about advances in science and health care.
Who can participate?
Many clinical studies have specific criteria required of participants. However,
you do not necessarily need to have an illness to volunteer. Healthy people are
frequently needed for clinical studies.
Is there any danger to participating in a clinical study?
Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Institutional Review Board reviews every study to
ensure the safety, rights and welfare of participants are protected. The same
occurs when clinical studies sponsored by an outside agency (like the National
Institutes of Health) are conducted here.
Clinical studies are sponsored by Wake Forest Baptist Health physicians and
researchers, the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute,
pharmaceutical companies and other organizations.
How do I learn more about specific clinical studies?
The Be Involved registry lists several hundred active clinical studies, including a study description, eligibility criteria, benefits to participants, and contact information.
What does it mean if I register on Be Involved?
Registering on Be Involved allows you to be considered for
categories in which you are interested to be a study participant. Registering
does not enroll you in any single specific study.
Will I start getting a lot of emails if I join?
You will be contacted via email about clinical studies you may qualify for based on the disease or condition interest you provide. This will only occur when a study becomes active and you have elected to receive information.
Wake Forest Baptist Health takes your privacy very seriously. This is a secure, central database and no information will be sold, rented or leased to other parties. Please see the institution’s privacy policy http://www.wakehealth.edu/Imaging/Info/Privacy.htm for more information.
Do I have to participate in a research study if I join Be Involved?
No, you will never have to participate in a study, it is your choice to join.
What if I change my mind about being part of Be Involved?
You can opt out or unsubscribe to the registry at any time. There is no contract or obligation to participate or to continue to receive information.
What can I do if I have more questions?
For general questions or to find out more about Be Involved you can contact us @ BeInvolvedRegistrar@wakehealth.edu .
Where can I learn more about Clinical Studies?
The National Institutes of Health has more information about clinical studies.
Go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.
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