You may be asked to participate in a research project which may include:

• Completing a survey
• Participating in an interview
• Taking new medication
• Participating in a new treatment

If you participate in the research, the project will be fully explained to you and depending on the type of research you may be asked to sign a consent form.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time without it affecting your normal care or treatment.
All research is conducted in accordance with confidentiality and privacy requirements and is approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee.
Peninsula Health requires that everyone who participates in a research project, is offered a copy of the results, or advised where they can be obtained when the project is completed.
Not everyone who participates in a research study will personally benefit.  Your participation may benefit the community by helping researchers to learn more about a certain disease or condition, a new treatment or a better way to provide care or services. 
However, in some studies, you may personally benefit. 
There is virtually no risk to you in completing a survey but testing a new drug or treatment could carry a risk.
Any potential risk or benefit of participating in a research project will be fully explained to you before you commence. 
The Human Research Ethics Committee ensures that research is ethically sound and as safe for participants as it can possibly be, before it is approved.

For Further Information
Consumers Health Forum:
www.chf.org.au 

National Health and Medical Research Council:
www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au

Cancer Organisations: 
www.australiancancertrials.gov.au/
www.cancervic.org.au/

At Peninsula Health:
Ask your treating team or contact Office for Research: researchethics@phcn.vic.gov.au