What a clinical study is
A clinical study tests a new treatment, or a new way of using an existing one, to find out whether it is safe and whether it helps. The treatment being tested is called investigational, which means it is not yet approved for this use and its benefits are not yet known. It may help, it may not, and it may have side effects that are still being learned about.
Every study is reviewed by an independent research ethics board and carried out under Health Canada regulation. Taking part is always voluntary, and you can stop at any time without giving a reason.
Part of your care, not a replacement for it
DermCare offers the full range of standard dermatology care: prescription treatments, phototherapy, systemic and biologic therapy and skin surgery. A study is one more option some patients choose to explore, after talking it through with the research team and their own physician. It is never a condition of being seen, and choosing not to take part has no effect on your care.
Is there a study for my condition?
Studies open and close through the year. The current studies page lists what is open now, and sets out the general questions the research team usually asks for each condition, so you can check them before getting in touch. Now open at DermCare: a study for teenagers aged 12 to 17 with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Research and clinical care are kept separate
Being a patient at DermCare never obliges you to take part in research. A study is discussed only after you have asked about it, or a physician has suggested one may be worth considering and you have agreed to hear more.
For sponsors and research organisations
Organisations considering DermCare as a study site will find therapeutic areas, infrastructure and contact details in the site capability statement.
