For patients and families

What is Health and Medical Research?

Health and medical research are studies that provide information about health and disease. Medical research investigates many areas of health and medicine and aims to answer questions that clinicians and health professionals do not know, such as how the human body fights off disease, why we get sick, and how can we prevent people from getting sick.

How long does a research study last?

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The length of a research study differs. Some studies can take months, while others can take years or even decades. This time depends on a range of factors that can include:

  1. How the data is collected – Are they using a survey? Is there an interview involved? Will there be a physical examination every few weeks?
  2. Ethics
  3. Funding.

If you are participating in a study, the Participant Information Sheet that you receive will include information about the duration of the study. If you have any questions, it is always best to contact the investigator that is managing the project.

What information does a Participant Information Sheet (PIS) include?

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The Participant Information Sheet (PIS) is a sheet that includes all relevant information about the study. This information will usually include:

  • What is involved for the participant
  • The purpose of the research
  • Possible benefits and risks
  • Duration of the project
  • Withdrawing from a research project
  • Contact details for further information or complaints.

Contact details that will be provided on the PIS  will include the Principal Investigator (PI) and the Human Research Ethics Office.

For Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District-run projects, you can alternatively contact the Research Office on 4253 4800.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank

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If you are looking for information on the Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank, please click here.