Study Participation Opportunities
Vanguard Research Group (VRG) assists with studies that include new therapies and treatment options for many mental health conditions. Those could be therapies delivered by new technologies, such as new apps, different ways of delivering service programs, or new medications.
To learn more about our ongoing studies or to participate in one of our studies near you, you can “click here” or call a member of VRG at (718) 470–8094 to discuss your interest. Your personal information is kept completely private, and our staff can guide you through finding the right study and how to connect with treatment center close by.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a research study?
A research study is an organized activity designed to answer questions. Scientists conduct many different kinds of studies. For example, a research study may test if a drug is safe and effective. Some other words that describe research are trial, clinical trial, protocol, survey, project or experiment. Research is not the same as treatment.
A research study may be carried out to find out what health care practices work best. A research study may be conducted to determine the best way to prevent or treat an illness. A research study may use a survey or an interview to understand feelings people have about their health. A research that will try to decide whether new treatments are safe and effective is called a clinical trial. In clinical trials, drugs or treatments are often compared with placebos to check the effectiveness of that drug or treatment. A placebo is an inactive substance which may resemble an active substance. However, it typically has no value to treat or prevent an illness.
Why is research important?
- New medications to treat diseases
- Improved medical procedures
- New or improved tests (like ultrasounds, X-ray machines, etc.)
- Vaccines
- Ways to stop smoking
Should I be in a research study?
Thousands of research studies are conducted each year. These research studies have contributed to health improvements for many people from every walk of life. Advances in health care would not be possible without people willing to volunteer to take part in research study.
What is Informed Consent?
Informed consent refers to the process by which a volunteer confirms his or her willingness to participate in the research after having been informed of all aspects of the trial that are relevant to the volunteer’s decision to participate. Informed consent is documented by means of a written, signed, and dated informed consent form. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have regulations that address the informed consent process.
Are there benefits to being in a research study?
There may or may not be a direct benefit when participating in a research study. For example, a participant’s health or health condition may get better as a result of participation in the research study, or it may stay the same, or it may get worse. No one can predict what will happen with a research study or how it might affect the participant. The participant might be a healthy volunteer. Being a healthy volunteer for a research study may not help the participant personally, but it may result in information that will help others in the future.
Are there risks or side effects in a research study?
Sometimes research procedures and drugs may cause discomfort and bad side effects. The questions being asked could make the participant feel uncomfortable. The risks and side effects of the research study may not be known completely at the start the research study. The research staff will discuss the known possible risks so a decision can be made to volunteer and participate in the research study. The research staff will tell the participant about any new risks that they learn about during the research study for as long as the participant takes part in the research study.
Connect to a research study/clinical trial
The Vanguard Research Group can help you connect to a research study in your area.