Clinical Research Studies

Our researchers recruit those living with mental illness, and those who are not, for their studies.

Those living with mental illness participate to help others and to help shape future treatments. Participation in research can also mean potential access to some of the latest, cutting-edge treatments; the opportunity for participants to play a more active role in their own treatment; and in some cases, the opportunity to try a new therapy option that may complement current treatment.

Other volunteers often say they participate to help others, to contribute to moving science forward, and to help play a role in shaping the future of mental illness treatment.

Clinical research can take many forms, and participation can involve anything from completing a questionnaire or survey to taking part in a drug or device trial.

Clinical research also recruits participants to better understand non-drug, non-invasive treatment alternatives, and can involve participation in brain imaging studies, aerobic exercise programs, cognitive therapies using virtual reality technologies and much more.

Clinical research conducted at The Royal is closely monitored and regulated to ensure the safety of all participants.

Each clinical study is closely reviewed by our Research Ethics Board (REB) to ensure that the study respects and protects the welfare of research participants.

Our REB adheres to the three core principles of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans:

• Respect for Persons
• Concern for Welfare
• Justice

Ethical research requires that participant consent be informed, voluntary and ongoing. This means that people can only agree to take part in a study if they understand the research and what is being asked of them. It also means that people understand the benefits and potential risks of participating in research.

All clinical research studies at The Royal ask for voluntary consent, meaning that people agree to participate without any type of pressure, and may withdraw their consent at any time.

You may consent to participate in research at the beginning of a study, for instance, but then change your mind later. If you wish to no longer participate in a research study at any point, you may stop. You will not be required to provide any reason as to why you changed your mind.

If you would like to take part in a particular study, you may want to speak with your doctor during your next visit about referring you, to determine if you are eligible. Some studies also accept self-referral (by participants).

If you have questions, or if you would like any additional information about taking part in clinical research, contact Christine Waite (chwaite@theroyal.ca).

There are a number of other ways to get involved with clinical research at The Royal.

Researchers regularly look to patients, families and community members to provide insight into what important research questions most critically require answers, and what gaps currently exist in terms of treatment.

Getting involved in research could mean participation on a committee or advisory group or helping researchers to develop study ideas.

For more information and resources about clinical research, visit itstartswithme.ca, a comprehensive website aimed at educating Canadians about the importance of participating in clinical research through educational resources and personal stories.