Research Participants

With the assistance of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the goal of the Office of Human Research Affairs (OHRA) is to create a consistent and compliant research environment which minimizes risks to research participants and their health data.

When considering joining a research study, please keep in mind the research participant bill of rights:

  1. To have enough time to decide whether or not to be in the research study, to ask question, and to make that decision without any pressure from the people who are conducting the research.
  2. To refuse to be in the study at all, and to stop participating at any time after you begin the study.
  3. To receive a copy of the consent form
  4. To be told what the study is trying to find out, what will happen to you, and what you will be expected to do if you are in the study
  5. To be told about the reasonably foreseeable risks of being in the study.
  6. To be told about the possible benefits of being in the study.
  7. To be told whether there are any costs associated with being in the study and whether you will be compensated for participating in the study.
  8. To be told who will have access to information collected about you, and how your confidentiality will be protected.
  9. To be told whom to contact with questions about the research, about research-related injury, and about your rights as a research subject.
  10. If the study involves treatment or therapy:
    • To be told about the other non-research treatment choices you have.
    • To be told where treatment is available should you have a research-related injury, and to be told who will pay for research-related treatment.

If your experience as a research participant was lacking in any of these areas, please contact us for assistance if needed.

Who Can Research Participants Contact For Help?

If you are already participating in a research study, you are encouraged to communicate with the research team first, especially if you are experiencing medical problems. You should have received a copy of a consent form or other document with investigator and emergency contact information. You may contact the UnitedHealth Group Office of Human Research Affairs (OHRA) for help if:

  • you have general questions about research or your rights prior to enrolling in a study
  • you wish to discuss problems, suggestions, or concerns and you do not feel comfortable talking with the research team
  • you want advice on how to communicate with the research team
  • you have communicated with the research team and they have not been able to help you.

You may contact the OHRA by e-mail or by phone. Please provide as much specific information as you can about the relevant research study (title, investigator name, study number etc.). It is also helpful to have your consent form handy when talking with the OHRA over the phone.

Please see the Contact Us page for contact information.

Every precaution will be taken to maintain your confidentiality.