Why is research important?
Research helps determine if a new treatment is safe and effective, as well as giving us a better understanding of the current standard of treatment. It can help change and shape government policies and treatment practices to improve the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes.
Research Participants
As a Research Participant, you get an opportunity to be a physical part of our research. We need your real-life experience and data throughout different stages of the study. There are many reasons why people decide to participate in clinical research:
- Getting early access to new treatments;
- Access to expert medical advice;
- Gaining a greater understanding of the nature of type 1 diabetes;
- Regular, detailed health check-ups;
- Results from the study may help others in the future;
- It’s fun!
Who can participate?
All research has guidelines about who can participate. They are an important principle of medical research that helps to produce reliable results. Before joining research, a participant must qualify for the study.
The factors that allow someone to participate are called "inclusion criteria" and those that disallow someone from participating are called "exclusion criteria". These criteria are also based on factors such as age, previous medical history and other medical conditions. Some research studies seek participants with illnesses or conditions to be studied in the research, while others need healthy participants.
It is important to note that inclusion and exclusion criteria are not used to reject people personally. Instead, the criteria are used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe. The criteria help ensure that researchers will be able to answer the questions they plan to study.
As a Research Participant, or if attending Community Conversations or focus groups, you do not receive an Honorarium Payment. However, you may receive a parking voucher if you are required to bring your child to a research session and your child might receive a gift voucher. Depending on the time of day you need to attend a research session, you might also be provided with a meal or receive a meal voucher.
Find out more
If you would like more information about how you can participate, please contact our Community Involvement Coordinator at community@childrensdiabetesresearch.org.au.
For more information on current research studies and research participant criteria, please visit our Research focus areas page.
