What Is a Clinical Research Project?
A clinical research project is a specific test, drug, treatment, device, or survey that addresses a specific healthcare concern.  An example of a clinical research project is comparing a new drug for the treatment of heart attack against a traditionally-used drug.  Other project examples include patient or family surveys, healthcare education, or the testing of new medical devices. 

All clinical research involves careful attention to the benefits and possible risks associated with a particular drug, device, or treatment.

Who Conducts Clinical Research Projects?
Many clinical research projects are a cooperative effort between leading universities and clinics, and regional medical centers like Washington Regional. Washington Regional is currently involved in many clinical research projects, including drug trials with the Cleveland Cardiology Clinic and Duke University.  Some research projects are planned and developed by Washington Regional staff. 

Every clinical research project has a team of local doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who conduct the study on a local level. Washington Regional's research teams are responsible for selecting patients for specific projects and directing their care following specific research protocols (research rules).

What Should I Consider in Joining a Research Project?
All patients asked about enrollment in one of our research projects must carefully consider how clinical research may affect your state of health and your lifestyle. Drug trials may offer you and your doctor one more option in treating your health problem. Educational projects may ask you to perform specific health related tasks on a frequent basis. 

When asked to consider joining any clinical research project, you must ask what benefits and risks may be encountered. Read all information given to you regarding your project. Ask questions. Take notes.  Involve the family.

The goal of clinical research is to find better ways of treating specific health concerns.  We hope that our clinical trials are of benefit to you as well as future generations.

Who Looks Out for the Rights of Patients Participating in Clinical Research?
Washington Regional, like all organizations involved in clinical research, has a committee that monitors all research activity. This group of healthcare professionals and members of our community is known as the Institution Review Board, or IRB. 

The IRB works with our clinical investigators to ensure that your rights as a research participant are carefully observed, and that confidentiality is strictly maintained. Our IRB operates under the guidance of stringent federal, state, and healthcare regulatory agency guidelines.

I Want More Information
Numerous research projects are underway in your community. Each project is aimed at a specific health concern. If clinical research sounds interesting, you may ask your doctor if you qualify for participation in a project related to your health concerns. 

You may also contact a Washington Regional research coordinator at (479) 463-7854.

Clinical Research Department
Washington Regional
1125 N. College
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: (479) 463-7854
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