How can I participate in a research project?
If you are interested in taking part in a research project, the following options are available:
1. Participation in a clinical study
- If you or someone close to you suffers from a particular disease, speak to your doctor about the possibility of taking part in a clinical study.
- You can also use the study search tool to look for clinical studies concerning a specific disease and then get in touch directly with the study contact listed. (study contact screenshot from study search)
- The study team will then determine whether you are eligible for participation.
2. Releasing your health data and biological material for research
- You can consent to your hospital health data and samples being used for research purposes.
- You can do this by signing a consent form at the hospital (known as “general consent”).
- In this case, your name and other identifying information will be coded so that the data and samples can no longer be readily associated with you.
- Researchers can subsequently use your data and samples to carry out research projects under the Human Research Act.
The basic procedure for a clinical study is as follows:
- You will be informed about the clinical study, and the possible benefits and risks will be explained to you.
- If, having received detailed information, you wish to participate in the clinical study, you will sign an informed consent form. Participation is always voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time.
- As a participant, you will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives the experimental treatment (e.g. a new drug), while the other group receives a comparison treatment (e.g. an existing drug). Often, neither the participants nor the study team know who is receiving the new and who is receiving the existing treatment.
- Throughout the study, the participants will be regularly examined and the effects and any adverse effects of treatment will be determined. A clinical study can run for anywhere from weeks to years. Examinations often take place at the hospital or study centre, but sometimes also at home.
- At the end of the study, a final examination will be carried out. Thereafter, you will receive your usual treatment again. However, you may also continue to receive the experimental treatment you received during the study (provided that it has proved to be safe and effective).
- Around 1-2 years after the end of the study, the results will be published (e.g. here in the study search).
- If the experimental treatment is safe and effective, it may be approved by the authorities and will then be available for all patients.