Research and Clinical Trials
MercyOne is working to improve heart and vascular care through research and innovation. Our team helps test new medications, treatments and technologies that could benefit patients now and in the future.
Clinical Research Studies
In order to provide access to the latest treatment advances, MercyOne is involved with many cardiac and vascular clinical research studies (or clinical trials). Clinical trials may involve investigational drugs or devices not currently available as part of patient care. Clinical research helps scientists and physicians answer questions about human health and develop future care protocols. Patients should ask their health care provider about clinical trials appropriate for their situation. Below are the different types of studies:
- Prevention studies - look at lifestyle changes or drugs that may help prevent heart disease, or reduce further problems.
- Diagnostic studies - look for new ways to detect heart disease, or to determine the severity of the disease.
- Treatment studies - examine new drugs, devices or other treatment options, or test combinations of current treatments.
Benefits of Participating in a Study
The advantage of participating in a clinical study is the possibility that a new treatment option may be better than currently available options. It is also an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to cardiology research. Study participants receive expert care according to detailed specifications, known as a protocol. All patients are carefully monitored during and after the study.
Are Patients Safe?
Clinical research studies are carefully reviewed for medical ethics, safety and scientific merit. An institutional review board, or IRB, located at the study site, reviews each study before it begins. The IRB also ensures that all patients make an informed decision to participate. Several organizations, including the IRB, the FDA and pharmaceutical companies, regularly review each study.
Applicable studies are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If a new treatment proves itself to be both safe and effective in treating heart disease, it may then be approved by the FDA for widespread use.
