This is possible because the research studies are funded by private and governmental agencies. In a very real sense, patients who participate in our research studies are important members of our research team. For example, patients are often asked to fill out questionnaires, partake in interviews, or allow blood to be drawn. The collection of this information requires a close collaboration between the patient and the study team. Our studies are designed to gather information in the safest way possible.
All research involves some risk, but every effort is made to minimize risk.
All research studies at our institution are reviewed for subject protection and safety by the Institutional Review Board. Participants in a research study are given a consent form which describes the study, the risks and benefits, and the potential alternatives to participation in the study. Each study has its own study coordinator with a designated way to reach us. Please understand that although we know a lot about Lyme Disease, we cannot make clinical recommendations over the phone about patients we have not evaluated in person. To do so would be medically unethical.