Clinical trials are patient studies that test new treatments and therapies, which are an essential part of advancing medicine. All clinical trials are approved and closely monitored by the IRB (Intuitional Review Board). Doylestown Hospital is actively involved in a variety of clinical trial research programs. Its involvement in this form of research was instrumental in establishing the Reif Heart Institute.
Patients of Doylestown Hospital can participate in a variety of clinical trial programs including cardiac and vascular disease, pulmonary, infectious disease, renal, dialysis and nutrition.
Why are Clinical Trials Important?
Clinical trials must take place before new research treatments or devices can be made available to the public. Trials are designed to help determine the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and additional possibilities for patients facing certain medical conditions.
For clinical trials to be successful, we rely on patient volunteers who meet specific criteria to participate in these studies. The ultimate goal of a clinical trial is to obtain knowledge that can then be used to improve the health and well-being of various patient populations.
Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. To make a fully informed decision, before deciding whether to participate in a study, it is often helpful to talk to your health care provider, family members, or friends. After you have identified trial options, the next step is to contact the study research staff and ask questions about specific trials.
Many guidelines are in place for patient volunteers, by Doylestown Hospital, the sponsoring company, and at the Federal level (FDA).
Where Can I Find Out More Information on a Specific Clinical Trial?
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial you may call the Doylestown Hospital Medical Research department at 215-345-2119 and speak with one of our research coordinators to answer any questions you may have regarding a clinical trial or review trials available.
Clinical Trials Available
- Cancer
- Dialysis
- Heart
- Infectious Disease
- Nutrition
- Pulmonary
- Renal
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Institution Review Boards are established to ensure the rights and welfare of people who choose to participate in clinical trials both before and during their trial participation. The primary function of the IRB is to guarantee adherence to all federal, state, local, and institutional regulations concerning the protection of all human subjects when testing investigational drugs or medical devices. These impartial review panels assess the risks and benefits of each study trial to minimize and fairly disclose risk to study participants.
The Doylestown Hospital IRB is free standing, which means it is not regulated by any other group within the hospital. The IRB is comprised of members from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds, which includes physicians in various areas of expertise, risk management specialists, and representatives of the local Doylestown community. Priority is placed on a membership of diversity to best serve the interests and safety of all study participants.
Doylestown Hospital and the IRB are committed to being a foremost clinical research center where standards of care are elevated both now and in the future. If you are interested in being considered for membership on the IRB Committee, please contact the Risk Management IRB Office at 215-345-2060.