Types of research
We use clinical and non-clinical research to find out if medicines, devices, treatments and diagnostic medical tools are safe and effective.
The findings from a research study can change the way we care for people in Australia and around the world.
Clinical research includes:
- clinical trials
- observational studies
- testing new drugs or medical devices
- using patient data
- testing samples of urine, blood or other items.
Non-clinical research doesn’t involve direct contact with patients. It's focused on generating new knowledge and developing new concepts, methodologies and understandings.
This type of research often lays the groundwork for further clinical studies.
Clinical trials
A clinical trial is a form of clinical research where people volunteer to evaluate new treatments, interventions, or tests. These are aimed at preventing, detecting, treating, or managing different diseases or medical conditions.
Clinical trials include:
- having surgical and medical treatments and procedures
- taking experimental drugs
- using biological products, such as blood, cells or saliva
- testing medical devices
- changes to how we deliver health services
- preventing health issues
- health related education.
Read more about clinical trials in Metro South Health.
What it involves
The level of involvement depends on what the researchers are investigating.
Research can be something as simple as an interview or questionnaire.
It can also involve:
- giving researchers permission to look at your medical history
- giving blood or urine samples
- testing a new medicine or medical treatment - this is called clinical trial.
The benefits of taking part in research
When you take part in research, you're helping to improve medical knowledge about a disease or condition and how we can treat it.
In some cases, it may improve the health of other people with the same disease or condition.
Risks
There may be some risks if you take part in research.
We always test new drugs, devices or procedures in a non-clinical setting first. These may have been tested on animals to find out how much risk might be involved.
We may know about some side effects but not others. And each person may react differently to a medicine or procedure.
You may also have to stop taking your usual medicines to test how effective the new one is. There could be risks with that.
We'll describe any risks we know about in the informed consent form. Researchers will give this to you before you decide to take part in research with us and answer any questions you have.
Human research is regulated and governed by legal and ethical codes. Our human research ethics committee is responsible for reviewing the scientific and ethical requirements of research. And to protect the welfare and rights of anyone taking part in research.
Costs
It doesn't cost anything to take part in research. They're usually sponsored by government agencies, universities, medical centres, pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers.
Informed consent
Before you take part in research, you need to know everything about it so you can decide if it's right for you.
For example, you'll need to know:
- what the research is for
- how long it will take
- about all the procedures and appointments
- who the main contact people are.
We'll explain any potential known risks and the benefits before you agree to take part. This is called informed consent.
You can ask your doctor or another clinician any questions about the research. Don't be afraid to ask about anything that you don't understand.
You'll need to sign an informed consent form before we enrol you in a research project.
Is taking part voluntary?
Taking part in research is voluntary. Only you can decide what's best for you.
You can also change your mind at any time. Your treatment won't be affected, and you'll continue to get the best care we're able to offer.
Research Privacy Collection Statement
Explains how personal information is collected, used and managed for individuals participating in research activities or studies.
Who does this Statement apply to?
This Research Privacy Collection Statement applies to anyone who takes part in research activities or studies conducted by Metro South Health. It should be read together with our privacy policy (internal link).
What types of personal data do we collect?
We may collect personal data directly from you through various forms and interactions. The type of information collected depends on:
- how you engage with us, and
- the specific research activity or study you participate in.
You will be told in the informed consent form what personal data will be collected at the time of first contact. Personal data may also include any follow‑up information or documents you provide after taking part in the research.
If you provide information about other individuals (e.g. family members), you are encouraged to inform them that:
- you have shared their information with us
- their information may be stored
- they may access their information in line with our privacy policy (internal link).
Your personal data may be stored in secure paper or electronic formats, including databases that are shared across our health services. Access is restricted to authorised staff and representatives who need it to perform duties related to the research.
Why do we need your personal data, and how do we use it?
Every research project is different, and we only collect information that is essential to the aims of the study.
- Where possible, data is made non‑identifiable or anonymised as soon as practical so individuals cannot be identified.
- Once data has been made non‑identifiable, it cannot be withdrawn.
- In some cases (e.g. anonymous surveys), information cannot be withdrawn because it cannot be linked back to you.
If you may be identifiable in research outputs such as publications, photographs, or attributable quotes, we will ask for your explicit consent. We process your information to:
- advance knowledge in the relevant field of study
- manage your participation, such as enrolling you into a study
- support activities required to conduct the research
If you choose not to provide personal data, we may not be able to register your interest or include you in the study.
Legal basis for processing
We process personal data because it is necessary for the legitimate interests of our health service and any partner organisations conducting research. For some research activities, such as those involving special category data, we may rely on your explicit consent. You may withdraw this consent at any time, unless the data has already been made non‑identifiable.
Who do we share personal data with?
If we collaborate with universities or other organisations as part of a research project, we will inform you at the beginning of your involvement.
Your personal data may also be shared with:
- the funding organisation supporting the research
- government departments
- agencies involved in research regulation or quality assurance
- contracted service providers acting on our behalf
Only the minimum necessary information is shared, and only for the relevant purpose. If you have questions about collaborations, please contact the research team for your study.
Your rights to access and correct your data
Under Queensland law, you have the right to access and correct your personal information. As a research participant, you should first contact the researcher responsible for your study.
Access may not be possible if:
- providing it would compromise another person’s privacy, or
- your data has already been made non‑identifiable
We may direct certain requests to be made through our Access to information page.
How to make a complaint
If you believe your privacy has been breached or have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, you can contact us via the links provided on our research integrity page.
Please include:
- your name
- your email address or phone number
- a clear description of your complaint
We will acknowledge your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe. If you are not satisfied with our response, we will advise you of next steps available to you.
Contact us
For questions about our Privacy Policy, data handling practices, or to access or correct your personal information, contact us.
Ways to get involved or participate in research
If you're interested in taking part in research, talk to your treating clinician about joining a clinical trial.
The Translational Research Institute Australia has a list of trials and research studies that you can volunteer for.
You can also see if the following registers have any research project or trials you think may be suitable.
- Clinical trials and projects (DoRA) on the Queensland Health website.
- Australian Clinical Trials on the Australian Government website.
- Join us a national research register.
Using human tissue for research
We use human tissue in all types of research, such as finding out what causes diseases, developing new tests or new medicines.
Tissue banks
We store tissue samples (biospecimens) at in research biobanks. These are linked to a person's personal and health information. This gives researchers access to samples and data from a large number of people.
They can only be used for health and medical research and only with your consent.
Tissue samples include things like:
- blood
- lymph node
- bone marrow
- tumour
- saliva
- cheek (buccal) cells
- hair follicles
- urine.
Cancer research
We use tissue samples from different types of cancer to support research projects. Some large scale research projects have led to new treatments and better results for patients.
Talk to your treating clinician if you're interested in contributing to our research biobanks.
Help shape our research
Your lived experience can help improve healthcare for everyone. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, just your perspective as a patient, participant, carer, or community member.
Help us improve patient care
We’re looking for consumer and community members to get involved in research projects. Research helps make patient care more effective, sustainable, safer and accessible for you and your family. It’s easy to get involved. You don’t need any special knowledge, equipment, or skills. Your life experience is what matters most.
Contribute your voice and lived experience
There are many ways to be involved in research. You choose how much or how little you’d like to do, every contribution counts.
As a consumer engaged in research, you might choose to take part in one or more of the following activities:
- share what matters to you and your family
- suggest ideas for research topics
- help develop research questions
- help design research methods and surveys
- review consent forms and recruitment strategies
- join a research steering group
- take part in focus groups or interviews
- help collect or analyse data
- support researchers in applying findings
- help write and share results in plain language
- promote findings in your community
- provide feedback on the research process
- support other consumers to get involved.
How to get started
- Talk to your treating health professional about any research that is happening now.
- Subscribe to our research newsletter to stay updated on opportunities.
Email us at MSH-Research@health.qld.gov.au to express your interest or ask questions. - Explore how to partner with consumers in research for guidance tailored to researchers.