Want to Get Involved in Clinical Research? Start Here.

Children and families shape clinical research and help researchers improve care. Clinical research helps doctors find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat health conditions. Children and families play an important role in this work. You may be able to join a research study, share your experience or help researchers plan future studies. If you are interested but do not know where to begin, these resources can help you take the first step.

Where Can Families Find Research Studies?

Start by asking your or your child’s health care team about research opportunities. You can also search for studies through Nationwide Children’s Hospital, ClinicalTrials.gov or ResearchMatch. Each study has rules about who can join. Contacting a study team or joining a research registry does not mean that you must take part. You can ask questions, learn more and decide what is best for your family.

• Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Search current studies by health topic on the hospital’s Clinical Research webpage. You can also call Clinical Research Services at (614) 722-2650.
• The Ohio State University: Browse open clinical trials through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Ohio State’s StudySearch website. Find a cancer clinical trial at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• ClinicalTrials.gov: This national website lists research studies in the United States and other countries. Parents can search by condition, age, location and whether a study is accepting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
• ResearchMatch: Create a profile for yourself or your child. Researchers may contact you when a possible match is found. Creating a profile does not mean your family must join a study. Visit ResearchMatch.
• Your child’s health care team: Ask your child’s doctor, nurse or other care provider about studies that may be a good fit.
• Local hospitals and universities: Many medical centers and universities list studies on their websites.

Talk to Your (or Your Child’s) Health Care Team

Feel empowered to speak with your own or your child’s medical care team. Here are some questions to ask:

• What is the purpose of the study?
• What would my child need to do?
• How much time would it take?
• What are the possible benefits and risks?
• Who can answer questions?

Help With Research Without Joining a Study

You do not have to join a study to help with clinical research. Parents and caregivers can share their ideas and experiences in other ways. Some hospitals and research groups have family advisory councils. Members help researchers understand what matters to children and families. They may suggest research topics, help plan projects or review information that will be given to families.

Families may also:

• Review study flyers, instructions or consent forms
• Help researchers use clear, respectful language
• Speak at a meeting about their family’s health care experience
• Attend research events or community talks
• Share trusted research opportunities with others
• Support groups that fund children’s health research

Every Family Can Make a Difference

At Nationwide Children’s, research helps us find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat childhood health conditions. Families make this work possible. You can help by joining a study, sharing your experience or serving as a family advisor. Every level of involvement matters. To learn more, talk with your child’s care team or explore current research opportunities. Asking questions is the first step, and taking part is always your choice.