Participate in Research

Frequently asked questions

What is clinical research? What are research studies?

Clinical research is research that studies health and illness in people. This type of research helps us learn how to better care for people who are ill, and how to help healthy people stay healthy. Researchers might use a clinical research study to learn if new medications or treatments work.

Why should I consider participating in research?

If you take part in a research study, you can help researchers learn more about health and illness. This helps us improve the way we take care of patients. Some people take part in research to honor a friend or family member who has a disease or condition.

You might also get access to treatments that are being studied to see if they are safe or if they work. These treatments are often only available by joining a study. You might learn more about your personal health. Lastly, you might be given money, gift cards, or other items to pay you for your time.

How am I protected?

A committee called the "institutional review board" or IRB reviews all studies before they start. The IRB includes members of the public, doctors, and scientists. The IRB makes sure risks are as low as possible. The IRB also makes sure the study is ethical and is important to do.

There are also laws and hospital rules that studies must follow to protect the people taking part in the study. The IRB requires that the study follows these laws and rules.

Before you agree to take part in a study, someone from the study team can speak with you to answer any questions, go over the risks and benefits of participating, and go over what you might be asked to do. You can decide if you want to take part in the study. For some studies, such as short surveys, you might feel comfortable taking part after reading about the study, without speaking with the study team.

If you change your mind at any time, even after the study begins, you are free to no longer take part in the study. You should let a member of the study team know if you decide to stop, so they can help you do so safely.

What usually happens in a research study?

There is no "usual" in research! Some studies may only involve a survey or questionnaire. Others may require having a test done or taking a medicine for a period of time. Research comes in all shapes and sizes. We hope there is something for everyone.

How do I hear about research studies that might interest me?

You may hear about research opportunities in several ways. Some ways include public advertisements on the radio, in the paper, or on the train. You can browse studies open to the public here on Rally. You may see flyers and posters hanging on the walls of your doctors' hallways and offices. You may be approached in-person at the hospital or in clinic. You may also receive a research invitation (for example, by letter, through Patient Gateway, or by email) from studies that might interest you. Each way helps us make sure that you know about research that matters to you.

How can I learn more or get answers to my questions?

Contact the Mass General Brigham Research Navigator Office at 857-282-5370 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

What are Patient Research Invitations?

Patient Research Invitations are another way Mass General Brigham patients can learn about studies - including those that are open only to our patients who are seen at Mass General Brigham hospitals and practices. They allow research teams to contact patients directly by mail, email, Patient Gateway message, or phone about research that might interest them. If you are a Mass General Brigham patient, you are automatically eligible to receive these invitations.

How might I be contacted about a research opportunity?

You might be contacted by mailed letter, email, and possibly a follow-up phone call after you receive a letter about a study. If you use Patient Gateway, you might also learn about research opportunities online.

Can anyone contact me?

No! All research must be approved by a committee, called the Institutional Review Board, that reviews all research involving patients. This committee is made up of people like you from our community, as well as physicians, nurses and other people involved in research. This committee must approve how patients will be contacted and who may contact patients before a study starts.

If I receive a research invitation, am I agreeing to be in the study?

No, you are not agreeing to be in a study. An invitation is only to tell you about the study. If you are interested in being in a specific study, signing up is a separate process that the researchers will discuss with you.

Can I choose not to receive Patient Research Invitations?

Yes. If you would prefer not to be contacted by letter, Patient Gateway, phone call, email, or other direct means, you can choose to stop these messages and mailings by any of the ways below:

• Send an opt-out request through Rally now

• or

• Contact the Mass General Brigham Research Navigator Office at 857-282-5370 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• or

• Make your choice in Patient Gateway:

  1. Click this link: Patient Gateway Login
  2. Log In to Patient Gateway
  3. Click on the button: "Do not send me letters or messages about research studies"

If I opt out from receiving Patient Research Invitations, will that guarantee that I won't be contacted about research?

No. Your doctors and their teams may talk to you about research related to your care, or researchers might approach you in person at an appointment. You may also have agreed to be contacted by a hospital department, research program, or clinic about research studies. If this is the case, you can contact them directly to change your preference.