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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is the GCRC?
The General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at the University of
Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas
Medical Center is one of a select number of the country’s
leading medical institutions to receive funding from the National
Institutes of Heath (NIH) to develop and maintain a center of excellence
for clinical research.
What is the purpose of the GCRC?
The GCRC assists doctors and medical researchers in conducting clinical
studies for a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment.
What are clinical studies and what do
they accomplish?
Clinical research studies are investigations that gather biologic
measurement of and about people. They generally focus on one or
a few aspects of human biology or disease.
Your Contribution to Research?
Studies dealing with many diseases are being done in the GCRC. Your
participation in one or more studies is important to the advancement
of medical knowledge and patient care. These new therapies and technologies
may benefit you or someone close to you. Before you are admitted
to the GCRC, your study coordinator will explain to you what role
you have in the study.
Who will conduct the studies?
The studies will be conducted only by specially trained doctors
and nurses.
What studies are currently underway?
Some of the diseases that are currently accepting participants include:
Click here or contact the GCRC office at (713) 704-4137 to find
out about these and other studies that are currently underway.
What do I receive for participating?
Depending upon the study, individuals/participants may be compensated
for their time and or travel. However, the primary benefit of participating
in clinical research is the knowledge and satisfaction that one
is contributing to the advancement of medicine and health for the
future.
Will anyone know that I am participating
in a study?
All information that is obtained in connection with a study and
that could identify you will remain confidential. Your name and
other identifying information will not be used in any study reports.
The information that will be gathered through the study will be
available only to professional staff working on that study.
Will my doctor be able to receive my test
or study results?
With your permission, the doctors conducting the study can notify
your own doctor about your progress in the study and any personal
medical information that might impact your health.
Length of Your Visit
The time you spend in the GCRC depends on the particular
study in which you are involved. It could be anywhere from 15 minutes
to 12 hours or more.
Dietary Studies
Some studies require that you fast (go without food)
before your visit. Usually this means that you should not eat for
the 8 to 12 hours before your visit. The study coordinator will
give you exact instructions about the timing of your fast and any
other restictions about beverages, medications, and smoking during
the fast. The GCRC provides snacks for participants after fasting.
Meals also are provided for participants who must spend long periods
of time in the GCRC. Food is not provided for family members or
other guests.
You may be asked to be in a feeding study where all or part of
your meals are provided to you. In that case, a nutritionist will
meet with you before the feeding study begins to explain the procedures
and foods you will receive. Our staff takes pride in providing appetizing
and appealing meals that meet many different and complex study needs.
Helpful Information
To help us better serve you and our research teams, we request that
you:
- Please arrive on time
- Sign in when you get here so we will know who you are here to
see
- Sign out before you leave so that we will know how long you
have been here
- Feel free to ask questions
If you have questions about participating in any current GCRC
studies please contact:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
General Clinical Research Center
Houston, Texas 77030
(713) 704-4137
or Email ms.gcrc@uth.tmc.edu
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