To volunteer in a research study the person will be “screened” to be sure that their health history meets certain criteria (inclusion/exclusion criteria). This will assure that they “qualify” for study participation. Some examples of these criteria are that the person is not participating in another research study. Another example is that the person be between the ages of 18 and 75. However, these criteria are different for every study.

Interested individuals are first given an “informed consent.” This is a document that explains all the details of the study including the participant’s responsibility, investigator’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 the participant fully understands the form.

While our goal is to maintain participants in studies (studies last days, weeks, months or years), it is always the participant’s choice to withdraw from the study at anytime without it affecting their 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). The patient, their doctor and the research team work together to determine if the patient is 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. You may also discuss these with your doctor who will contact us or you can call our office for more information (630-932-2165).