UCSF Research Participant Services

Research helps providers learn more about how to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. There are many types of research studies, but they all share a common purpose: to help people stay healthy and live longer. Without volunteers like you, research studies are not possible.

You get to choose if you want to take part in a research study. No matter what you decide, it will not affect your care at UCSF.

UCSF wants to make it easy for you to learn about research studies. We share information about them in local newspapers, on the radio, and on fliers posted in neighborhoods. You may also receive messages from UCSF Research Participant Services, which uses a computer aided search to find patients who may be eligible for studies. You may receive messages from Research Participant Services via the US Mail or MyChart message. 

You can opt out of messages from UCSF Research Participant Services at any time. Please note you may still hear from UCSF researchers who are using other contact methods besides Research Participant Services.

 To opt out, let us know using one of these methods:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I receive a message about taking part in a research study?

Researchers use many ways to reach people who might be eligible to take part in research studies. For example, you might:

  • Read about a study in a local newspaper.
  • Hear about a study on the radio.
  • See a flier posted in the clinic or around your neighborhood.
  • Get mail about the study as part of a mass mailing list that is not linked to UCSF.

Researchers can also use UCSF Research Participant Services to contact people who got care at UCSF Medical Center. Research Participant Services uses a computer to search for people who may be eligible for a study. No one looks at your medical record during this process. Your private health information is protected.

I opted out but received an advertisement about taking part in a research study. Why?

Opting out of recruitment messages means that you will no longer messages from Research Participant Services, including MyChart messages or letters in the mail. You may still receive letters or hear from UCSF researchers who are using other contact methods besides Research Participant Services.

I don't recall giving UCSF permission to contact me for research studies. Did I?

Getting care at an academic medical center like UCSF means you also get access to the latest research studies and clinical trials. All UCSF patients sign a form called the “UCSF Terms and Conditions of Service: Admission, Medical Services and Financial Agreement.” When you signed this form, you agreed to be contacted about take part in research studies.

When I am asked to take part in a research study, do I have to enroll?

No. You get to choose if you want to take part in a research study. No matter what you decide, it will not affect your care at UCSF.

Can a researcher use UCSF Research Participant Services to look at my medical record before asking me to take part in a research study?

No. Research Participant Services uses a computer to search for people who may be eligible for a study. No one looks at your medical record. Research Participant Services follows a process designed to protect your privacy.

  • A researcher must get approval from the UCSF Human Subjects Research Protection Program to use a computer-aided search.
  • The computer-aided search helps find groups of patients who may be eligible to take part in the study.
  • Patients receive a message from UCSF Research Participant Services.
  • Researchers do not receive any personal information about you.
  • Researchers do not know which patients have been contacted about their study.

What are clinical research studies?

Researchers use clinical research studies to answer questions about health. Clinical research studies can help us find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases. There are many kinds of clinical research studies. Some test new medicines or devices. Others ask patients questions to learn about health problems or ways to prevent them.

Why do people take part in research studies?

Every study is different. Each person has their own reasons for taking part. Some common reasons include:

  • To help others.
  • To help advance science.
  • To maybe improve their own health.
  • To gain access to treatments before they become widely available.
  • To access treatment options that might not be available outside of the research.

Do I need to have a disease or medical problem to take part in research?

It depends on the research study. Some studies need healthy people to take part. Other studies need people with certain health problems. Each study has its own criteria about who is eligible. The study team can help you decide if you can take part.

In order for research to help the largest number people, we need people of all ages and of all races and ethnicities to take part.

Will my personal health information be protected if I take part in a research study?

Yes. It is the legal and ethical responsibility of all UCSF faculty, staff, trainees, students, volunteers, and contractors to protect and preserve personal and confidential patient information. This includes information that we collect and use for research studies.

What laws do researchers follow during research studies?

UCSF researchers follow federal regulations, state laws, University polices, and national standards for research involving humans. Before a study can begin, the UCSF Institutional Review Board (IRB) must approve it. The IRB is made up of health providers, scientists, and people from the community. IRB members make sure that people in the research study will be treated fairly and that all risks, if any, are explained.

Where can I find out about other research studies at UCSF?

UCSF conducts many types of research studies, including clinical trials. A clinical trial is a kind of research that involves treatment and people. Clinical trials help researchers answer questions such as:

  • Is a new treatment or medical device safe?
  • Does the new treatment do what it is supposed to do?
  • Is the new treatment better than a current treatment?
  • Which patients benefit the most from the new treatment?

There are many clinical trials going on at UCSF that are looking for people to take part. Explore UCSF Clinical Trials.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

If you'd like to learn more, or would like to opt out of getting information about research studies at UCSF, contact Research Participant Services at:

Someone will contact you within 3 to 5 business days.