FOR VETERANS
Your Participation Makes a Lasting Impact on Veterans’ Health
Through participating in our clinical trials, Veterans contribute to research aimed at improving healthcare strategies and treatments tailored to their unique needs and experiences.
Understanding Clinical Research for Veterans
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2019, May 16). Why Should I Join a Clinical Trial?. YouTube.
What is Clinical Research?
Clinical research includes all research involving human participants and is aimed at developing new treatments, improving existing therapies, and finding ways to prevent or manage diseases.
Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical treatments work in people. In addition to clinical trials, other types of clinical research focus on improving existing treatments, gaining a deeper understanding of diseases, or developing new methods to manage health.
Research helps ensure that the treatments we use are safe, effective, and tailored to the needs of specific populations—like Veterans. Research is an essential part of improving and advancing healthcare.
Explore the many different types of clinical research studies:
FAQs
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Clinical research studies are carefully regulated and monitored by independent review boards, government agencies, and ethics committees. In the U.S., organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) ensure that studies follow strict guidelines to protect participants’ rights and well-being. Read more about participant safety here.
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Clinical research is funded by a variety of sources, including government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as universities, nonprofit organizations, and private industry sponsors. View some of our partners and sponsors here.
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Clinical research studies follow strict privacy and confidentiality laws, including HIPAA regulations. Your data is only used for research purposes and is typically de-identified, meaning your personal details are removed. Only authorized researchers and regulatory bodies have access to study data, and participating in research will not affect your VA benefits. You will learn how your information will be used prior to joining any study and will be given the opportunity to ask questions during the Informed Consent process.
Interested in Participating in Research?
How are Veterans Involved in Clinical Research?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019, November 15). ChooseVA - Research. Youtube.
Every year, thousands of Veterans volunteer for clinical research studies. This partnership is essential to increasing access to cutting edge treatments and ensuring that research has a real-world benefit for the Veteran community.
WIVR’s research focuses on developing solutions to the unique health concerns Veterans face. These findings can then be used to improve patient care or inform the creation of new programs designed specifically for Veterans.
Why Join a Clinical Trial?
We cannot develop new treatments or improve current healthcare practices without research. Your involvement is key to advancing healthcare and ensuring that new treatments are both effective and tailored to the needs of Veterans. By participating, you may also gain access to the latest treatments and therapies, often before they become widely available. Some studies also may offer compensation.
What to Expect When Participating in Research?
Screening and Eligibility
Before joining a study, our team will conduct an initial screening to determine if the research study is a good fit for you. This may include a review of your medical history, a discussion about your health, and possibly some preliminary tests.
Informed Consent
We will provide detailed information about the study, its purpose, potential benefits and risks, your rights as a participant, and what participation involves. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and can decide whether or not to participate.
Participation & Study Visits
If you choose to participate, you may attend scheduled visits where researchers will monitor your health and collect relevant data. These visits may include phone calls, medical exams, questionnaires, lab tests, or other procedures, depending on the study.
Your Rights & Safety
Your well-being is our priority. You have the right to withdraw from a study at any time, for any reason. Our team follows strict ethical and regulatory guidelines to ensure your safety, health, and confidentiality throughout the process.
Compensation & Support
Some studies offer compensation for time and travel or gift cards for participating in a study. We are committed to making participation as convenient and comfortable as possible for you.
Making a Difference
By participating in research, you are helping advance medical science and improve healthcare for Veterans like yourself. Your contribution is invaluable in shaping medicine for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Search for Clinical Trials on ClinicalTrials.gov
Search UofU Clinical Trials
Ask your Healthcare Provider about opportunities recommended for you.
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Your safety is our top priority. Every study follows strict guidelines set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and independent ethics boards. Before joining, you will receive detailed information about the study, any potential risks , and your rights as a participant.
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No, participating in a research study will not impact your VA healthcare benefits or disability status. Your participation is voluntary and separate from your standard VA medical care. You can withdraw from a study at any time for any reason. Your decision will not affect your medical care or benefits.
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It depends on the studies. Some research studies allow participation in multiple trials, while others require you to complete one study before joining another. If you are interested in multiple studies, our team will help determine if it’s possible based on eligibility criteria and potential interactions between studies.
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The length of participation varies by study. Some studies last only a few hours or days, while others may require follow-ups over several months or even years. Before enrolling, you will receive detailed information about the study’s timeline, required visits, and expectations.
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Our studies are typically only open to Veterans within the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System catchment area. Eligibility depends on the specific research being conducted. If you are not a Veteran but are interested in a specific study, reach out to our team to see if there are opportunities available for you.
VA Healthcare Resources
Search for Clinical Trials on ClinicalTrials.gov