Without clinical research, medicine would not have cancer immunotherapy, cardiac angioplasty or the data showing that ulcers are caused by a bacterium and not spicy foods.
Through clinical trials – studies that test new therapies, medications or medical devices in humans – researchers have investigated and developed breakthroughs that have saved countless lives and contributed to the body of knowledge of diseases and medical conditions all over the globe.
CentraState proudly participates in clinical trials in collaboration with major U.S. hospitals and research institutions through Atlantic Health System’s partnership with the National Cancer Institute and its Community Oncology Research Partnership (NCORP). This alliance grants patients within the greater Monmouth County community access to promising new developments in cancer care, prevention, screening, supportive care management, surveillance and quality of life initiatives.
CentraState’s clinical trials allow patients to stay within their communities and still receive state-of-the-art care overseen by specialists at the medical center and those working in NCORP’s prestigious institutions.
Safety First All
CentraState clinical trials are reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that research is conducted ethically and complies with federal rules and regulations. Patient safety and privacy are paramount.
Whether a patient enrolls in a clinical trial is their choice, if they are eligible. Patients must meet specific criteria before being enrolled. A clinical research nurse reviews all aspects of the trials, including consent forms, appointments and supportive resources, before a patient enrolls. Every clinical trial is different, and some may extend for months or years.
“By participating in clinical trials, patients drive the standards of practice that are used in treating those with cancer and other diseases and illnesses,” says Shannon Aldi, RN, BSN, CentraState’s clinical research nurse. “Patients may personally benefit from the therapies Starts with Clinical Trials Without clinical research, medicine would not have cancer immunotherapy, cardiac angioplasty or the data showing that ulcers are caused by a bacterium and not spicy foods. or care they receive in clinical trials, as well as contribute to the future of treatment for that condition.”
Aldi points out that patients who are enrolled in clinical trials always receive the current standard of care for their illness; they are not deprived of any potential lifesaving or life-extending treatment. The medication, device or protocol that is being investigated may be added to their treatment plan. Clinical trials are tightly controlled, and patients are monitored closely with lab tests, imaging studies (such as X-rays or ultrasounds) and physical exams.
Nursing Research Improves Patient Care
Bathtubs that swaddle newborns and keep them warm during their first bath, technology that evaluates chemotherapy infusions and protocols that improve ICU patients’ nutrition are just a few innovations that have been implemented at CentraState thanks to studies conducted by its nurse-researchers.
“Evidence-based research is necessary to provide optimal treatment for all patients, from babies to the critically ill, and it assists us in advancing patient care,” says Irene DeCelie, RN, PhD, CentraState nurse-investigator. “Our nurses know their patients well. By suggesting and designing new evidence-based research studies, they are instrumental in improving patient care and quality of life.”
CLINICAL TRIALS AT CENTRASTATE
Learn more about clinical trials at CentraState.
