Clinical trials, these are carefully designed studies that test interventions like a new drug, medical device, or treatment. Study participants are chosen based on specific criteria and follow a set plan, usually in a hospital or clinic setting. Researchers closely monitor all participants to measure how well the treatment works and whether it causes any side effects or benefits. These types of studies always have Research Ethics Board approvals and always require express patient consent.
Health information review studies, these are studies that look at health information collected during regular medical care, which includes doctor visits, prescriptions, or testing information. Instead of testing an intervention in a controlled setting, researchers review health information to gain insight in order to help improve care. In some cases, the Research Ethics Board may require express patient consent for information review studies.
