FAQs
Before joining a clinical trial, participants must
qualify for the study and live in the Rochester or Buffalo areas. Some studies seek participants with
specific illnesses or conditions, while others need healthy volunteers. Each clinical trial
has guidelines based on factors like:
- Age
- Gender
- Type and stage of a disease
- Previous treatment history
- Other medical conditions
The clinical trial process varies depending on the
type of trial. The team includes doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who:
- Check the participant’s health at the beginning of the trial
- Provide specific instructions for participating in the trial
- Monitor the participant closely during the trial
- Stay in touch after the trial is completed
Benefits:
- Play an active role in personal healthcare
- Gain access to new treatments before they are widely available
- Contribute to medical research that may help others
- Possible unpleasant side effects
- Treatment may not be effective
- The protocol may require more time and attention than standard treatments, including additional trips to the study site, more treatments, hospital stays, or complex dosage requirements
Informed consent is the process of understanding the key
facts about a clinical trial before deciding to participate. It is ongoing throughout the study.
The research team provides a document detailing the study’s purpose, duration,
procedures, key contacts, risks, and potential benefits. Participants decide whether to
sign, knowing they can withdraw at any time.
Clinical trials adhere to
ethical and legal codes, ensuring participant protection. Most trials are federally regulated
with strict safeguards. The study follows a controlled protocol, and researchers report
results without revealing individual participants’ names.
Side effects are undesired actions of a
drug or treatment, varying by medication. These are detailed in the informed consent form.
Adverse effects may include headaches, nausea, hair loss, and skin irritation. Both
immediate and long-term impacts are thoroughly evaluated.
Participants should
be well-informed and comfortable asking the healthcare team questions about the trial,
expected care, and costs. Questions to consider:
- What is the study’s purpose, and why is the new treatment being tested?
- Who will participate in the study, and what tests and treatments are involved?
- How do the risks and benefits compare with current treatment, and how might the trial affect daily life?
- How long will the trial last, and will hospitalization be required?
- Who will pay for the treatment, and will expenses be reimbursed?
- What type of long-term follow-up care is included, and how will treatment effectiveness be assessed?
- Who will oversee the participant’s care throughout the trial?
- Plan and write down possible questions
- Bring a friend or relative for support
- Consider recording the discussion for later review
Yes. Most clinical trials provide short-term treatments but not primary care.
Coordination with the healthcare provider ensures other medications or treatments do not
conflict with the trial protocol.
Yes. Participants can leave a
clinical trial at any time but should inform the research team and provide reasons for
leaving.
Ideas typically come from researchers.
Promising treatments are moved into clinical trials after laboratory and animal testing.
Sponsors include physicians, medical institutions,
foundations, voluntary groups, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and
federal agencies like NIH, DOD, and VA. Trials can take place in various settings, including
dedicated research sites, hospitals, universities, doctor’s offices, or community clinics.
A protocol is the study plan describing participant eligibility, test
schedules, procedures, medications, dosages, and study length. Participants following the
protocol are regularly monitored by the research staff.
A placebo is an inactive substance with no treatment value. It is used
in some trials to compare the effects of an experimental treatment.
A control group is a standard for comparison in
clinical trials. One group receives the experimental treatment, while the control group
receives a standard treatment or placebo.
- Treatment trials: Test new treatments or new combinations of drugs.
- Prevention trials: Seek ways to prevent disease in people without it or prevent recurrence.
- Diagnostic trials: Find better tests or procedures for diagnosing diseases.
- Screening trials: Test methods for detecting diseases or conditions.
- Quality of Life trials (Supportive Care trials): Explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses.
PATIENT FORMS
Biometric Screening
Uber Health
Biometric Screening
A biometric screening is a quick procedure performed to obtain data on your current health
level statistics, or biometrics. At Rochester Clinical Research and RCR Buffalo, each
biometric screening is performed by one of our certified medical professionals and
normally takes less than 15 minutes. Through a sample blood droplet, your results are
available in minutes.
Each screening consists of an assessment of your biometrics and can include:
- Height and weight
- Body mass index
- Glucose level (A1C)
- Blood pressure
- HDL/LDL and total cholesterol (lipid profile)
- Fibroscan (optional/additional test for NASH/NAFL) an excellent solution for a noninvasive
evaluation of your liver.
The data you will receive at your visit will benefit you in multiple ways:
- By knowing your numbers, you will be able to assess your current level of well-being. By becoming aware of your current biometric indicators, you can begin or continue to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Insurance companies and employers often provide an incentive for individuals to undergo a biometric screening. The data received at your visit can be transferred to your provider to potentially arrange for an insurance discount or rebate. Some companies offer up to $300 annually for employees to undergo a biometric screening. However, it’s best if you check your insurance plan to be sure.
- Many companies use accumulated biometric screening data to guide corporate wellness programs and work environments. Your information can help create a better work atmosphere for both you and your employer.
- You will be greeted by our administrative staff upon arrival.
- Initial screening by a research assistant in a designated room.
- Quick blood test from a finger prick to start the screening.
- Measurement of height, weight, and body mass index, completed in under five minutes.
- Discussion with our nurse practitioner to address any questions about your results.
- Option to send results to your doctor and keep a copy for future reference with your permission.
At Rochester Clinical Research, we happily provide screenings free of charge to everyone.
No co-pay is required, and health insurance or employment is not necessary. We place
great importance on the ability to provide the Finger Lakes and Western New York region
with the information they need to lead a well-informed and healthy lifestyle.
At any time, we are happy to field questions or concerns on biometric screenings. To
inquire about scheduling an appointment, please call us at 585-288-0890 in Rochester or
716-415-8380 in Buffalo.
To determine if there is an incentive available for you to undergo a screening, we
recommend that you contact your employer or insurer. Your insurance provider may have
paperwork relating to their Wellness program that you may need to bring to our office.
Partner with Atlas Clinical Research
Unlock the potential of your clinical trials with our expert team and cutting-edge facilities. Leverage our site network to drive your research to success with our patient-centric approach and comprehensive support.
PATIENT FORMS
Patient Reported Medical History
Save time at your next appointment by completing your Medical History Form in advance. You can fill out the form electronically, then either print and bring it with you to your appointment or email it to [email protected] at least 24 hours before your visit.
Pediatric Patient Reported Medical History
Prepare in advance for a pediatric clinical trial by completing the Pediatric Medical History Form. Parents or guardians can complete and print a form to bring to the appointment or email it to [email protected] at least 24 hours before the trial.
Uber Health
Getting to Your Appointment Just Got Easier with Uber Health!
We are delighted to announce that Rochester Clinical Research and RCR Buffalo are among the first in the area to offer Uber Health. This service allows us to request, manage, and cover the cost of your rides to and from our facility, making your visit as seamless as possible.
You don’t need to be an Uber user or even have a smartphone to take advantage of this service. While Uber Health is HIPAA compliant, we will share your first name and phone number with Uber for scheduling purposes. Rest assured, using Uber Health will not affect any compensation you receive for participating in a study.
How It Works:
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Let Us Know You Need a Ride
1.When scheduling your appointment with Rochester Clinical Research or RCR Buffalo, simply inform us that you require transportation.
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Receive Your Ride Details
2.- If you have a cell phone, you will receive a text message with your ride details at the time of booking.
- If you do not have a cell phone, we will provide you with the necessary scheduling information directly.
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Ride Notifications
3.When your car is on its way, you will receive another text or call (to your cell phone or landline) notifying you that your ride is en route.
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Enjoy the Ride
4.The car will take you to Rochester Clinical Research/ RCR Buffalo for your appointment.
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Return Trip
5.At the end of your appointment, we will arrange for a ride to take you back home.
We are here to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your Convenience, Our Priority
Your comfort and ease are at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to welcoming
you and ensuring your visit is smooth from start to finish.