CLINICAL RESEARCH TRIALS

CLINICAL TRIALS

KCAA partners with Meridian Clinical Research to conduct clinical studies. Together, our wide-ranging research aids in the development of improved therapies for our own patients as well as for allergy and asthma sufferers worldwide. All studies are overseen by our KCAA physicians.

Clinical trials (also called research studies) help determine if medicines, medical devices, and tests are safe and effective. The goal is to develop new or improved medicines and more effective cures.

Our studies offer a way for almost anyone, regardless of age or background, to help improve human health and wellbeing. Benefits beyond helping to advance medicine include:

Obtaining care from our specialists at no cost
Learning about new medicines in development, especially for our patients who struggle to find effective therapies currently on the market
Receive compensation for study-related time and/or travel (amounts vary by study)

Kansas City Allergy & Asthma - Clinical Research Trials

CLINICAL TRIAL SAFETY

KCAA has completed nearly 300 trials over the past 30 years. Our studies are held to incredibly high standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Meridian. We make every effort to ensure patient safety. Participation is always optional, and we will continue to provide excellent traditional care regardless of what you decide.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to be notified when a study may be right for you, you can SIGN UP ONLINE or call Meridian at (402) 934-7563. Meridian Clinical Research is located within our Overland Park location at 8675 College Boulevard.

You can also ask about current studies when visiting KCAA. If we believe a study is right for you, we will reach out to you with the study information.

Whether KCAA or Meridian reaches out to you, know that we fully support any clinical study you are contacted about.

FREQUENTLY ASKED RESEARCH TRIAL QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of research?

We use knowledge gained from research to develop new treatments. Medical practice is different from research. The main purpose of medical practice is to care for the health and well-being of patients. The main purpose of research is to test new scientific ideas or new treatments.

What is a clinical trial?

KCAA doctors are involved in two types of research studies: 1) Interventional Studies (also called Clinical Trials) that test new medicines and treatments in people to gauge how well they work and ensure safety, and 2) Observational Studies that collect information about health and behavior. Clinical trials may seek to discover new drugs, new ways of giving patients approved drugs, new combinations of approved drugs or biological products. Clinical trials must be conducted before a new drug, biologic, or device may be marketed in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates clinical trials. The FDA gives investigators, permission to test a new drug, biologic or device under strict regulatory conditions.

What is a protocol?

A protocol describes the rules followed during the research. For example, a protocol states why it is important to study the research question and how the research team will answer the research question. A protocol also states how the research team will protect the health and wellbeing of the research volunteers. A protocol includes information on the study procedures, medications to be used, possible risks and benefits, possible adverse events, and data analysis methods.

Who gets to be in the study?

KCAA enrolls children, adolescents, and adults. We follow strict rules regarding who may take part in research. Not everyone with the disease or problem being studied can take part. Our doctors may ask patients who could potentially qualify for a study if they wish to take part. It is up to the patient to agree to participate. A patient may drop out of a research study at any time, even if they agreed to participate. Saying “no” to participating will not change standard medical care at KCAA in any way.

What is Informed Consent?

Informed consent is the process that gives information to those thinking about taking part in the research. After learning about the research, a participant should understand the:

Purpose of the study
Procedures involved in the study
Possible risks and benefits of taking part
Rights of study participants
Voluntary nature of the research
Options instead of taking part in the study

Participants should only agree to take part after clearly understanding the study and feeling comfortable. Participants should take time to talk over the decision with doctors, family, and friends. Once the decision is reached to participate, an informed consent form will be signed. If researchers learn added information about the participant during or after the study, they must inform the participant.

Who conducts the research studies?

Every study at KCAA has a lead researcher, called a principal investigator (PI), who is a medical doctor. Some studies also have a research team that might include other doctors, nurses, research coordinators and healthcare professionals. The PI and research team closely monitor a participant’s health throughout the study.

Does it cost to participate in a research study?

No. There is no cost for the study treatments, examinations or procedures. Generally, volunteers are provided compensation to reimburse for time and travel to the office.

How long do research studies last?

The duration varies. Studies at KCAA are as short as a couple of months or as lengthy as several years. The study coordinator describes the number and frequency of visits and the length of the study.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Personal identities and medical records are confidential. While participating in a study, the study doctor and study staff replaces the participant’s name with a code. Study data and blood and urine samples (if applicable) have a code, too. The list that matches the codes is kept separately at the study center.

What occurs during study visits?

That depends on the type of study. For example, some visits will include procedures such as performing a breathing test, blood draw, EKG, physical exam or skin test. Typically, a review of medical condition and medications is conducted. The study coordinator will describe which procedures will be conducted and how long the visit will last. The information can also be found in the informed consent form.

What are a study participant’s responsibilities?

Clinical study participants must agree to:

Follow instructions provided by the study team
Provide accurate and complete information about past and current medical condition
Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of taking part
Follow directions regarding non-study related medications
Inform the study doctor about changes in medications, illnesses or injuries, unexpected side effects or intent to have medical treatments outside of the study
Attend scheduled visits requested by the study team
Inform the study team if needing to miss an appointment
Inform the study team if contact information changes
Follow the procedures for withdrawal, if deciding to leave the study

Is there a stipend for participation?

Possibly. Most studies provide reimbursement for time and travel to the office. The study coordinator will communicate specific details, which will also be specified in the informed consent.

What types of studies has KCAA conducted?

Apart from the predictable asthma and allergy studies, we have conducted clinical trials on angioedema, chronic hives, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, nasal polyps, atopic dermatitis and immunodeficiency to name a few.