February 27, 2004

Study volunteers play a key role
in medical progress

According to the MGH Clinical Research Program (CRP), study volunteers are critical to the process of bringing scientific discoveries into patient care. Because volunteers are an important aspect of research, the CRP and BWH Center for Clinical Investigation have launched a new initiative — RSVP (Research Subject Volunteer Program) for Health.

RSVP for Health is a registry in which volunteers — both healthy and those with an illness or inherited disorder — can enroll to participate in clinical studies that may help scientists determine whether research holds promise for better treatments, prevention and cures. This registry will help improve timely recruitment of patients and healthy volunteers, which is often a key obstacle in conducting successful clinical trials and advancing medical progress.

Although study volunteers are giving their time, they may receive multiple benefits. They may receive a thorough physical exam; further their medical knowledge; receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and compensation; have the satisfaction of helping someone who suffers from a chronic, serious or life-threatening illness; and provide important scientific information for developing new disease treatments.
Before enrolling in any clinical trial, volunteers will receive comprehensive information about the study's potential risks and benefits to help make a final decision about participation. Enrolling in RSVP is not a commitment to participate in any trials, nor does it guarantee that a volunteer will be eligible for a particular trial.

Volunteers from every ethnicity, race and age group are needed. For more information or to register, visit www.rsvpforhealth.partners.org or call (866) 391-7030. To see a list of current studies at the MGH and BWH, visit http://crnet.mgh.harvard.edu.