Change the future for yourself and for generations to come by participating in clinical trials. At Ascension Sacred Heart, we recognize the importance of conducting clinical research for our patients and for our community and doing our small part to advance health care around the world.

Contact StudyInterest@elligodirect.com for more information. 

Common Questions

Clinical trials are the first step in bringing new treatment options to people around the world. Individuals like you, who participate in clinical trials, make it possible to advance medicine. Effective and safe new treatments and cures can only become realities if people take the initiative to participate in a clinical research trial. When a trial is complete, researchers better understand how a medication benefits a specific medical condition.

By participating in a research trial, not only are you helping researchers understand how a new medication works, but you are bringing new treatment options to people around the world to improve their health and well-being. You also have the potential to receive innovative treatment under the supervision of your trusted physician at no cost.

A member of your healthcare team will review the research trial with you. He/she will ensure you understand the treatment and answer all your questions before beginning the qualification process. If you decide to enroll in the trial, additional information about the research will be provided.

The healthcare team running the clinical trial will sit down with you to provide you all the information you need so that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to participate. You will be encouraged to ask all your questions so that you make the best decision for you. You will learn details about the trial treatment, trial procedures (that is, the medical tests) required, potential risks and benefits, withdrawal procedures and other treatment options. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign the informed consent form before beginning the trial. And, if there is any new information about the trial that needs to be shared with you, the healthcare team will provide an updated consent form for you to review.

A clinical trial is conducted to find out if a new treatment works. If you decide to participate in the trial, you may or may not receive the trial treatment. It is possible that you will receive a placebo or standard-of-care treatment. A placebo drug does not have the trial treatment in it. Regardless of the treatment you receive, you will be monitored very closely by your trial healthcare team.

You may be compensated for participating in a trial. Compensation is different for each trial and depends on things like time and travel costs.

Your safety and rights are our top priority and we follow the strict regulatory and ethical guidelines of the FDA and Ethics Review Boards. However, there is always the potential for side effects to occur during treatment. The trial team will be following you closely during each step of the trial. If you do have a side effect, a medical professional will be available to help you.

You can contact the trial healthcare team to let them know you are interested in participating in a clinical trial.

The trial healthcare team will review the screening and trial requirements with you. It is likely that you will have a complete physical as well as give blood and urine samples. You may also have to complete additional tests. If you are considered a good match for the trial, the trial team will ask you if you would like to participate.