Study Volunteers

To volunteer in a research study you will be “screened” to be sure that your health history meets certain criteria (inclusion/exclusion criteria).
This will assure that you “qualify” for study participation. Some examples
of these criteria are that you are not participating in another research
study. Another example is that you be between the ages of 18 and
80. However, these criteria are different for every study.

You will be given a “consent form.” This document explains
all the details of the study including your responsibility,
investigator’s (doctor’s) responsibility, risks, benefits, and details of all the
tests and procedures that might take place. The research team will go over
this form in detail and assure that you fully understand all the
dimensions of the study and have all your questions answered.

While our goal is to maintain participants in studies (studies last days, weeks,
months, or years), it is always your choice to withdraw from the
study at anytime without it affecting your continued care at Midwest Heart
Foundation or Specialists.

Every research study is different. Some studies involve treatments, drugs,
or devices and some are registries (tracking a patient’s treatment by looking
at the medical record). You, your doctor and the research team work
together to determine if you are suited for a research study.

If you think you may be interested in participating in one of our studies go to
STUDIES where there is a general list of our studies. We are continually adding
new studies, so feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. You may also discuss these with your doctor who will contact us or you can call our office for more
information (630-932-2165), or e-mail us at info@midwestheart.org.