Research Participant
Before Agreeing to Participate in a Study
Before you decide whether to participate in a research study, it is important to first check what is being proposed. Learn as much as you can about research in general and about the study that you are considering. Make sure that you understand all of the potential risks and benefits of the research study before you agree to participate and be sure to discuss these with your physician first. Make sure there are procedures in place to protect research participants.
Throughout the research process, don’t hesitate to ask questions or to voice any concerns you may have.
Learn More About Research Participation
- Becoming a Research Participant: Important Considerations (PDF, 193KB)
- Interested in Volunteering for a Research Study? (PDF, 1.8MB)
- Learning about Research and Research Participation (PDF, 229KB)
- Human Research Volunteer Informational Videos | HHS.gov
Background and Educational Information on Research
- Office for Human Research Protections: Learning About Research Participation
- Office for Human Research Protections: Becoming a Research Volunteer: It's Your Decision
- Office for Human Research Protections: Questions to Ask about Volunteering for a Research Study
- Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation: Be an Informed Participant
- National Cancer Institute: Clinical Trials Information for Patients and Caregivers
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute: Entering a Clinical Trial: Is It Right for You? (PDF, 3.0MB)
- NIH Clinical Center: Participate in Clinical Studies
- NIH National Institute on Aging: Participating in Clinical Trials
- NIH: NIH Clinical Research Trials and You
- FDA: Clinical Trials: What Patients Need to Know
- MedlinePlus: Clinical Trials
- OHRP: Additional Resources
Conflict of Interest
The Financial Conflict of Interest Policy, also known as “Maintaining Objectivity in the Conduct of Research”, for Trinity Health Michigan and Georgia locations that addresses disclosures by investigators and associates engaged in clinical research is here.
For inquiries concerning any financial conflict of interest pertaining to funded clinical research at any Trinity Health Michigan or Georgia locations, please submit a request to aasjirbsubmissions@trinity-health.org.
The requested information will be provided within five business days.
For more information, see the Federal Register Rule on financial conflict of interest disclosure. Financial Conflict of Interest eCFR :: 42 CFR Part 50 Subpart F -- Promoting Objectivity in Research
Research Participant Concerns and Complaints
If you are a research participant (past or current), or you are considering enrolling in a research study (potential participant) and have questions about your rights as a research participant, concerns, or a complaint about the research, you may contact the director of Research Compliance at 734-712-5470.
All complaints will be held in the strictest confidence unless instructed otherwise. We will do everything to review and respond to your complaint in a timely manner.
Glossary of Terms Used in Clinical Research
English: Glossary of Terms | ClinicalTrials.gov
En Español: Glossary of Terms | NIH
Listings of Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: List of Clinical Trials
- National Cancer Institute: Find NCI-Supported Clinical Trials
- CenterWatch: Clinical Research Trials
- Alpha-1 Foundation: Participate in Research Programs
- ALS Association: The ALS Association Active Research Projects
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma and Allergy Research
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: LLS Clinical Trials
- National Breast Cancer Coalition: NBCC Research
- Michigan Cancer Research Consortium: Active Clinical Trials | Michigan Cancer Research Consortium (mcrconline.org)
- National Health Council: Our Members - National Health Council – Links to websites of more than 115 Council members, many of which include information on research studies
Children as Research Participants
- National Cancer Institute: Informed Consent: Children’s Assent to Clinical Trial Participation
Social and Behavioral Science Research
- Consortium of Social Science Associations: Why Support Social and Behavioral Science Research?
- National Science Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions – An explanation of the types of harm that could result from social and behavioral science research.