Types of Research
Read below about the different types of research studies performed throughout Inova Health System. We hope that after learning more about these studies, you will agree to participate if asked.
Research trials do make a difference. The results of many studies have changed the way physicians and nurses treat diseases. The more we learn about patients, and the diseases they have, the better we can treat and care for patients now and in the future.
- Clinical trial
- Investigator-initiated study
- Translational research
- Outcomes research
- Nursing research
- Current open research studies
Clinical trial
A clinical trial is a thorough and carefully controlled evaluation of a new
medical test or treatment. The majority of clinical trials are either drug or
device or a combination of these two categories.
Before a clinical trial begins, the treatment must show that it has potential benefit. It also must meet rigorous government standards (i.e. FDA) and scientific requirements for safety, and have acceptable side effects.
Investigator-initiated
study
An investigator-initiated research study is also a thorough and carefully controlled
study. However, in this type of study, the concept and the protocol is conceived
by our own clinician rather than a pharmaceutical or device company.
Translational research
Translational research is the deciphering of basic research knowledge into
the care of patients with chronic conditions. It is also the translation of
clinical (at the bedside) knowledge into research hypotheses that can be studied
in a laboratory (at the bench).
Outcomes research
The ultimate goal of outcomes research is to improve care and patient outcomes.
Outcomes research provides updated information on the benefits, risks, and the
results of treatments and procedures currently in use. This gives healthcare
providers vital decision-making information on when to modify, adopt, or discard
certain treatments and procedures in order to deliver the best care possible
to patients.
Nursing research
Nurses also are involved in developing and running research trials that assess
the quality of care patients feel they are receiving and determine what can
be done to improve that care. Examples of nursing research projects include:
- Evaluating patients' pain
- Ways to prevent and treat bed sores
- Patient satisfaction surveys
