Participate in Research

Health providers and scientists use research studies to answer questions about health. Research can find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and conditions.

There are many kinds of research studies. Some test new medicines or devices. Other studies use interviews or surveys to learn about health problems or patient experiences.

Every study is different and the reasons people participate are different. Some reasons people participate in research studies are:

• To help others
• To help advance science
• To possibly improve their own health
• To access treatment options that might not be available outside of the research

Researchers use different methods to reach people who may be eligible to participate in a research study. They might advertise a study using posted flyers or a newspaper or radio ad.

Another method is to contact people who have received medical care at Stanford. The Stanford Research Participation Program works with study teams to facilitate this outreach. Research studies are suggested to patients based on a computer-aided search, and an invite is sent by the Research Participation Program on behalf of the study team. Only when you express interest in a study is your contact information provided to the study team.

Yes, depending on the study, it's very important to have children and different populations represented in research, to inform how treatments work for different people. Informed Consent is required from the Parent/Guardian, and if 7-17 years old, children will be invited to complete an Asset form, indicating their agreement to participate and understanding of the research.

All Stanford patients sign the Stanford Notice of Privacy Practices form. This form covers different terms of agreement, one of which is that you may be contacted about participating in research. One of the benefits of receiving care at an academic medical center is having access to the latest research studies and clinical trials.

If you would like to opt out of receiving invitations to participate from the Research Participation Program, contact us at 650-497-3612 or send an email to joinresearch@stanford.edu.

No, you are under no obligation to join a research study, and your decision will not affect your medical care at Stanford. Participating in a research study is always completely voluntary. Even if you decide to participate in a research study, you can always change your mind at any time.

A researcher who has received approval from the Stanford Institutional Review Board (the office responsible for protecting the rights of people participating in research studies) may use a computer-aided search to identify groups of patients who may be interested in participating in their study. This search is done with identifying information (known as Protected Health Information, PHI) removed from the records. Researchers do not know which patients have been contacted about study participation.

This service and process is in place to ensure the privacy of Stanford patients, while increasing access to research opportunities.

Many types of people are needed to participate in research studies. Some research studies need individuals with specific health problems. Other research studies need healthy individuals. People of all ages and ethnic backgrounds are needed. Every research study has its own rules about who is eligible to participate, which will help determine if you are able to participate. The study doctor or research team works with people interested in research to see if they are a fit for a research study.

Yes. It is the legal and ethical responsibility of all Stanford faculty, staff, trainees, students, volunteers, and contractors to protect and preserve personal and confidential patient information. This includes information collected and used for research purposes.

Stanford researchers comply with federal regulations, state laws, University policies, and national and international standards for research involving human participants. Before a study can begin, the Stanford Institutional Review Board must approve it. In addition, all Stanford personnel working on a research study are trained in how to protect the rights of research participants.

Stanford is a world-renowned academic research institution that conducts many different types of research studies. Clinical studies test the safety and effectiveness of drugs or devices, or investigate the efficacy of different treatments or interventions. At any time, there are hundreds of studies at Stanford that are looking for research participants. Explore Stanford Clinical Trials.