Medical research studies or clinical trials are designed to test the safety and effectiveness of a treatment, and are an essential step in the process of developing new treatments, or improving existing treatments.
These studies enable researchers to support their theoretical treatment plan with the actual real-life findings in trial results. Many medical treatments that we take for granted today were originally scientific innovations supported through clinical trials and the participation of the general community: asthma sprays, nasal sprays, many drug therapies, CPAP machines etc. Clinical trials are a crucial part of the effort in improving global health.
Every year the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research undertakes dozens of research studies in respiratory and sleep medicine, some short-term, others lasting a number of years. A trial might test a new drug treatment, or study new uses for an existing drug, new doses or new treatment combinations, or compare existing standard treatments. Before human trials begin there is extensive testing in animals.
These pre-clinical studies are designed to examine the tissue effects of the drug, the way it is processed in the body, and its potential for toxicity. Any trial medication must adhere to strict manufacturing standards for stability and purity. An Ethics Committee checks all details of a trial before it is advertised to the community and monitors its progress.
Volunteer participants are given a detailed medical history (screening) before they are invited onto a trial, the doctors taking into account their medical condition and drug regime so that introducing another trial drug has no adverse interactions. The screening process is an exacting one. Each clinical trial has a specific set of exclusion and inclusion criteria for a volunteer to meet before they are eligible to participate. The screening ensures uniform results and participant safety.
Taking Part in Medical Research Studies
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research has established an international reputation as one of the world’s leading respiratory and sleep research organisations.
Based in Glebe, Sydney, the Woolcock Institute is at the forefront of medical research investigating the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breathing diseases and sleep disorders.
At any one time the Woolcock Institute has approximately 50 research studies underway investigating asthma, allergies, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea and circadian rhythms.
Medical research studies are conducted to test new drugs and devices in people, to see whether they are safe and effective. Experienced medical staff run the research study. Before it starts an independent Ethics Committee reviews the research study and then monitors how it is conducted.
Every pharmaceutical treatment must undergo a medical research study to prove it is effective and safe before it can be made available to the general community.
By the time a study treatment gets to a stage where it is given to patients in a research study, it has been thoroughly researched in the laboratory.
Participating in a medical research study can be an enriching and interesting experience. People enrol in research studies for various reasons. Some people are interested in finding a new treatment for a disease. Some people are interested in receiving investigational research medication that is not available to the public.
Medical research study volunteers receive a free thorough medical examination. You will learn more about your sleep or respiratory condition and receive six months of free consultations with our physicians after you have completed the study. By participating in a medical research study you will provide medical information that will help people in the future manage their health more successfully.
All the studies vary. Some focus on identifying the causes of a particular disorder or disease, and how it can be prevented. Other research studies focus on treatment.
Some of the studies require volunteers for short-term research projects, and others require a longer commitment from volunteers.
The sleep research studies may require volunteers to stay overnight in the purpose built sleep centre, assist with testing the effectiveness of new medications, or help assess and evaluate a product for use at home.
In the field of respiratory medicine participants may be invited to trial new medications, assist in the testing of new equipment, assist in the research into the causes and treatment of allergies and asthma, or undertake lung function tests.
All of our research studies are run by experienced professionals, supported by a team of dedicated staff. You will be looked after by a Study Coordinator who will meet you each visit and be your point of contact for the research study. A doctor is available 24/7 should you wish to discuss any medical issues arising from your participation. All research participants are reimbursed any out-of-pocket expenses incurred while in a research study.
All information supplied by volunteers is kept private and confidential.
The Woolcock Institute conducts a range of research studies with the assistance of volunteer research participants. These participants are drawn from the broad community.
We need healthy people as well as people who suffer from:
insomnia, asthma, allergies, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
If you would like to register on our database for future research studies please call 1800 828 717 or send an email to volunteers@woolcock.org.au.
You will then be contacted by one of our research staff to discuss the research studies and gather some information.
Recruitment Coordinator,
Clinical Research Operations Group
T 1800 828 717
F 02 9114 0011
E volunteers@woolcock.org.au
back to top of page