Research Participant Toolkit
Contacts
The University of Utah IRB is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of research participants. This page is devoted to providing participants and their families with important contacts and other useful resources.
Please contact the University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB) if you have:
- Questions regarding your rights as a research participant
- Complaints or concerns you do not feel you can discuss with the study investigator
- Input or suggestions
IRB Phone: 801.581.3655
IRB Email: irb@hsc.utah.edu
Research participants may also report a concern or complaint using the following form: Report Form for Participant Complaints.
Research Participant Advocate
You may contact the Research Participant Advocate (RPA) by phone at (801) 581-3803 or by email at participant.advocate@hsc.utah.edu.
Reporting Concerns or Complaints
Research participants are encouraged to express any concerns or complaints regarding involvement in a research study. You may prefer to speak directly to the investigator or members of the study staff. However, if you are unable to contact the investigator or would prefer to report the complaint to the IRB, you may do so.
When reporting a concern or complaint to the IRB, please contact the IRB office as soon as possible. You may report your concern or complaint by calling our office, sending an e-mail or sending a letter by U.S. mail. Research participants may also report a concern or complaint using the Report Form for Participant Complaints.
Your Rights as a Research Participant
Every person asked to be in a research study has rights. We want you to be aware of your rights. Please read the University of Utah Research Participant Volunteer’s Bill of Rights.
Resources Regarding Research Participation
Before joining a research project, we encourage you to learn more about your rights as a research volunteer and the risks and benefits of being in research. The IRB has a brochure available for you. This brochure can be downloaded and printed by participants, investigators, or departments who wish to distribute the pamphlet as an educational resource. If you are a participant and would like the IRB to send you a paper copy of the pamphlet or if you are an investigator or department who would like a supply for use in your office please contact the IRB at 801-581-3655 or irb@hsc.utah.edu.
There are two pamphlets the IRB has created to for distribution. One pamphlet is focuses on participants interested in Main Campus research studies. The other form focuses on participants interested in Health Sciences research studies.
| Form | Version Date |
|---|---|
| Participating in Medical Research Brochure | 08.01.2011 |
| Las Investigaciones Médicas de la Universidad de Utah Folleto | 08.01.2011 |
Office of Research Integrity
Past or prospective participants or their designated representatives, and others who wish to obtain answers to questions, express concerns, and convey suggestions, or provide input regarding the Human Research Protection Program to someone independent of the IRB may contact the Research Integrity and Compliance Office by calling (801) 581-7170.
The Office of Research Integrity is independent of the IRB and not affiliated with any specific research protocol.
Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP)
The Office for Human Research Protections has launched a campaign to inform the general public about research participation. OHRP's brochure, "Becoming a Research Volunteer: It's Your Decision" is intended for people who are considering joining a research study. To download or print a copy in English or Spanish, please visit the OHRP Public Outreach site.
Veteran's Affairs
The VA Office of Research and Development provides information to veterans who may participate in research. Please download or print a copy of the Veterans’ Participation in Research brochure. For additional information, please visit the Research, VA and Volunteers page.
Other Resources
The Children’s Hospital Boston created an interactive Parents’ Guide to Medical Research. The purpose is to help parents ask the right questions and gather information that will help them decide whether or not to allow their child to participate in research. To access the guide and the video presentation, please visit the Children’s Hospital Boston website.
Research Participant Survey
The IRB invites you to provide feedback regarding your experience as a research participant. If you have been a participant in a research study at the University of Utah, Primary Children's Medical Center, the VA Medical Center, or Shriners Hospital for Children and you would like to provide comments and feedback, please complete our online Research Participant Survey. Each question in this survey is completely optional. You may choose to remain anonymous or provide your contact information at the end of this survey for follow-up purposes only. Your comments are important for improving the participant experience with research at the University of Utah.
You may also direct your comments to the IRB office via the following methods:
Phone: 801.581.3655
Fax: 801.587.9138
Email: IRB@hsc.utah.edu
Mail: 75 South 2000 East, RM 111, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
