Baptist Research Institute

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A doctor in a lab setting looks at a specimen through a microscope

Baptist Research Institute leads the region in clinical trial participation. We strive to provide our patients with the latest evidence-based treatments and preventive therapies. One of the ways we are able to foster medical advancements is through the many clinical trials under the direction of the Baptist Health Research Institute (BHRI).

BHRI is currently overseeing more than 50 clinical research studies in a wide range of areas. Our research institute has taken the lead on some of the first device trials, including those for the leadless pacemaker, absorbable stents, coils and stents used to treat brain aneurysms and robotic surgeries.

In addition to sponsor-initiated clinical trials, we also accommodate investigator-initiated trials. All of the research studies undertaken by BHRI must meet stringent requirements for patient safety and ethics. All studies are reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Primary areas of interest include:

  1. Endovascular
  2. Neurology
  3. Cardiovascular
  4. Pediatrics

Clinical Trials Database

For the convenience of our patients, we provide an up-to-date listing of all clinical trials that Baptist Health participates in. Each clinical trial includes the recruiting status, eligibility criteria, the participating physician and contact information. Our relationships with more than 1,600 physicians who are currently on our medical staff helps spur more trials and expand our research opportunities.

ClinicalTrials.gov

The U.S. National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, through its National Library of Medicine, has developed ClinicalTrials.gov to provide patients, family members, and members of the public current information about clinical research studies. ClinicalTrials.gov contains summary information about clinical studies being conducted throughout the United States and in many countries throughout the world. This data are provided to the National Library of Medicine by organizations and institutions that sponsor and implement the studies.
Data Source: ClinicalTrials.gov

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical study involves research using human volunteers (also called participants) that is intended to add to medical knowledge. Participants receive specific interventions according to the research plan or protocol created by the investigators and approved for clinical studies by the FDA. Carefully conducted Clinical trials are the safest way to compare a new medical approach to improve health. A new product or approach determines whether new ways of using known therapies are safe and effective under controlled environments. The investigators try to determine the safety and efficacy of the intervention by measuring certain outcomes in the participants.

Baptist Health Institutional Review Boards (IRB's)

The purpose of the board is to review, approve and monitor each clinical trial. The board makes sure that each study is ethical, the rights of participants are protected and that risks are minimized and reasonable in relation to any potential benefits. The board is made up of physicians, researchers and members of the community.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The FDA audits the IRB’s and may visit Baptist Health at any time and review anything that they choose related to clinical trials.

Learn More about Clinical Trials

Joining a Clinical Trial

If you're seriously considering joining a clinical trial you should first consult with your doctor to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you meet the requirements, you will go through a process called informed consent to make sure that you fully understand the clinical trial's plan.

A doctor or research nurse will review the informed consent form including the trial’s purpose, plan, risks and benefits. This is a great time to ask questions. Try to bring a family member or friend to help you ask questions and write down the answers. You may take the form home with you to review before signing it.