Clinical trials are scientific studies that allow doctors to test new treatments for safety and effectiveness, before they are approved for general use. By participating in scientific studies, patients also have the opportunity to contribute to medical knowledge and improve public health.
The research team includes research nurses, research assistants, physicians, scientists and biostatisticians, as well as administrative and support staff and other allied healthcare partners. All investigators and research staff are certified in good clinical practice and have completed research participant protection training. Various members of our research team are certified by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) or the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).
Each study protocol has guidelines for determining who can or cannot participate so that researchers may achieve accurate and meaningful results. These guidelines, called eligibility criteria, describe characteristics that must be shared by all participants. Criteria differ from study to study, and may include age, gender, medical history and current health status. Eligibility criteria often require that patients have a particular type of disease. Enrolling participants with similar characteristics ensures that results are due to the drug or device being studied and not other factors.
Click here to search our current clinical trials or call our study line at 218-786-3899 or 866-839-4128 (toll-free) to hear a listing of some current clinical research studies. If you have a question about future studies, please contact the Clinical Research Development Manager at 218-786-3853.