Iredell Health System Participating in Clinical Studies

Iredell Health System Participating in Clinical Studies

Monday, March 6, 2023

Clinical research studies are at the heart of medical advancements. Every medication, vaccine, procedure, diagnostic test, and other modern medical treatment was examined in a clinical study to determine its effectiveness and safety. Clinical research studies aim to discover ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.

Doing its part to advance healthcare around the world, Iredell Health System has recently partnered with Oracle Cerner and Elligo Health Research to bring clinical research studies to its community.

“Iredell Health System strives to be your local community hospital, and our values and mission pointed us in the direction of inspiring wellness, which means we need to be a leader in healthcare delivery and prevention of illness,” said Dr. Joseph Mazzola, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Iredell Health System.

Iredell Health System is currently participating in two clinical research studies.

“Our two initial studies are aimed at developing blood tests that will be used to screen and detect certain types of cancer in patients before they develop symptoms. The goal is to identify cancer at the earliest stage so that treatment will be most effective,” said Mazzola.

Early cancer detection can increase survival rates, reduce the cost of treatment, and improve the quality of life for patients.

Why should you take part in clinical research?
Clinical research studies are crucial to our society, but these studies are only made possible because of people just like you. When you volunteer to take part in a clinical research study, you are helping shape the future of healthcare. Through your participation, doctors and researchers can learn more about illnesses and improve care for people in generations to come.

“Participating in a clinical trial is an easily achievable but deeply meaningful way to give back to both the community and society at large. Life-saving cures and life-improving treatments can only become realities if everyday people take part in clinical research,” said Olivia Bochel, Elligo’s senior account manager for Iredell Health System.

By participating in a clinical study at Iredell Health System, you are helping researchers around the world develop preventive tests to detect several different types of cancer.

In addition, you will also receive monetary compensation for your participation from the research partner.

What is the time requirement?
Both clinical studies at Iredell involve minimal time and effort for the patient. One study involves a single blood draw, while the other involves a series of blood draws over several months. There is no cost required from the patient to participate.

How is my privacy protected?
If you do decide to take part in the study, you can rest assured that your personal health information and privacy will be protected. These clinical research studies are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other laws to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of your protected health information.

How can I become a participant?
Only Iredell Health System patients who qualify will be asked to participate in these studies. Those who qualify include patients with a new diagnosis of a specific type of tumor.

To learn more about our current clinical research studies, please call 704-878-7799.

Pictured: Dr. Joseph Mazzola, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Iredell Health System