Research Opportunities
Research Opportunities at the AAP
Adolescent Trials Network
For more information or to ask a question about research studies, contact Elizabeth Enriquez-Bruce, MD, Study Coordinator at 718-882-0023, ext. 211 or send her an email at eenriquez@AdolescentAIDS.org.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Research
Why do HIV scientists study people?
Thanks to medical research and the participation of research volunteers all over the world, there have been many life saving advances in HIV care in recent years. Since the opening of our program in 1987, we have offered a variety of research studies to our patients, ranging from the latest in HIV medication to studies gathering information on the medical and mental health issues facing young people. The staff at the AAP believes that opportunities to participate in research are the right of everyone, including adolescents.
Why do people join studies?
People choose to join research studies for various reasons: to contribute to knowledge about the disease and how to treat it; to benefit from the care of experts in the field of HIV; or to get access to certain medications or tests they could not otherwise obtain. There are also other incentives such as paid transportation to help with the expense of traveling to study visits.
I'm trying to decide if I want to be in a study. What advice can you give me?
Joining a study is a personal decision and involves understanding the benefits and risks involved. The best way to make a decision is to talk to the study coordinator to find out what will be required of you. Some of the questions you should ask are: What is this study about? How often are study visits required? What happens in a study visit? How long will the study last? You should also ask the reasons why you might be taken off the study. If there are medications to be taken, it's also important to understand how to correctly take the medications, how the medications may help and what possible side effects may occur.
Research shouldn't be a scary concept. It's just a way of carefully learning about how to get better medicines or give better care to people. No one should feel forced or pressured into research, it's totally your choice. And no research on you can be done without your consent. You have the right to refuse to participate in research and you also have the right to withdraw anytime after agreeing to join a study.
Do I have to get my parent's permission to join a study?
Depending on the nature of the study, you may or may not need a parent or guardian's consent to participate. Generally, if the study doesn't involve medications or treatments that are considered "beyond the standard of care" you can make the decision on your own. Likewise, if the study is considered "minimal risk" you can generally participate without having to get a parent or guardian's consent. But it's always important to involve your parent or guardian in your decision-making, if you can.
To make it as convenient as possible, we will try to schedule research study visits at the same time as your routine medical care.
