Study FAQs

What is an Informed Consent document?

It is a document that outlines details of the research study. The information usually includes:

• the purpose of the study;

• the procedures involved;

• the test drug being used;

• possible benefits and side effects;

• what is expected from both the patient and the research centre staff;

• any risks involved; and

• alternate therapies.

Our Research Ethics Board requires that this document be signed by each research study subject and staff person in order to participate in any clinical study.

If I sign an informed consent form, do I have to take part in or finish the study?

No. You can withdraw at any time.

What is a placebo?

A placebo is a pill, capsule, or injection (depending on the research study) that looks similar or identical to the drug being studied, but which has an inactive substance or ingredient. It is often used in research studies as a control—where the safety and efficacy of the study drug will be compared to the placebo.

Can I take my own prescribed medications while participating in the study?

The answer to this question will depend on the proposed study. Some of the drugs being evaluated may require that you stop a particular medication if it will interfere with the results of the study. We prefer to respond to this question one-on-one with each study participant, since individual medications and circumstances vary.

Is the drug being studied already available on the market?

Sometimes, but not often.

Pharmaceutical companies may continue to study a drug already on the market, but most drug studies usually focus on new drugs being brought to the marketplace. They are interested in learning about the product's effectiveness, the best doses, side effects, best timing for the delivery of medication, and so on. At the end of a study, if not already approved by Health Canada, you will not have access to the investigational medication.

Where can I park if I take part in the study?

Parking is free. There is a parking lot in front of the facility.

How long are the study visits and how long is the study itself?

Again, this will depend on the study itself. Some study visits are as short as 15 minutes, while others can last as long as several hours. We do our best to accommodate each study participant so as not to disrupt their routine any more than necessary. The number of visits also varies with each study—some are weekly while others may be monthly. Each study is designed to evaluate a drug or product for a certain period of time and that time will also vary from study to study. Your research coordinator will be able to provide you with this information.

Will I be compensated for participating in a research study?

You will be compensated to help cover the costs of travelling to the research site.

I live in Quebec. Can I still participate in one of the studies?

Yes. Where you live does not exclude you.