Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about health research and what taking part involves? Browse the FAQs below to learn more about studies, participation, and how Be The Cure helps Albertans get involved.
About Be The Cure?
What is Be The Cure?
Be The Cure is a public awareness initiative that helps Albertans learn about health research and how they can get involved.
What does Be The Cure do?
Be The Cure shares easy-to-understand information about health research, highlights research happening in Alberta, and helps people find studies to participate in.
Does Be The Cure run the studies?
No. Be The Cure helps connect people to research opportunities, but the studies are run by research teams and institutions.
Who is Be The Cure for?
Be The Cure is for Albertans who want to learn more about health research, explore studies, and understand how they can take part.
About Health Research
What is health research?
Health research helps us better understand diseases, treatments, prevention, and patient care. It gives researchers the evidence they need to improve health outcomes.
Why does health research matter?
Health research leads to better ways to detect, treat, and prevent illness. It also helps improve care for people and communities.
What is a health research study?
A health research study is a structured way for researchers to answer questions about health, conditions, treatments, or care.
Are all health research studies the same?
No. Some studies observe and collect information, while others test treatments, procedures, or other interventions.
Who can take part in health research?
It depends on the study. Some studies are looking for people with a specific condition, while others may include healthy volunteers.
What Kind Of Research Is There?
What is an observational study?
An observational study collects information about participants without trying to change their care or condition.
What is an interventional study?
An interventional study looks at a treatment, procedure, or other approach to learn how safe or effective it is.
What types of research can I learn about on Be The Cure?
Be The Cure highlights several areas of research in Alberta, including heart and stroke, gastrointestinal health, cancer, and women’s and children’s health.
Are clinical trials the same as all health research?
No. Clinical trials are one type of health research. Health research can also include observational studies and other kinds of data-gathering research.
Participating In A Study
Why should I take part in a study?
Taking part can help advance health research, improve care for others, and in some cases help you learn more about your own health.
Do I need to have a health condition to participate?
Not always. Some studies are looking for people with a specific condition, while others may need healthy volunteers.
How do I find a study?
You can use the Find Studies feature to search for research opportunities and review basic study details before contacting the study team.
How do I know if I qualify for a study?
Each study has its own eligibility criteria. You can review the study details to see whether it may be a fit for you.
What happens after I contact a study team?
The study team reviews whether you may be eligible and will contact you directly about next steps if appropriate.
Can I leave a study after joining?
In all cases, participation is voluntary, and people can choose whether to continue. The study team will explain what participation involves before you decide.
Before You Join A Study
Will I get all the details before I agree to participate?
You should be given information about the study, what it involves, and any important details before deciding whether to join.
Should I talk to my doctor before taking part?
It can be helpful to speak with your doctor if you have questions about whether a study is right for you.
How much time does participation take?
It depends on the study. Some studies are brief, while others may involve longer follow-up or multiple visits.
Will every study offer treatment?
No. Some studies collect information only, while others may involve a treatment, therapy, or procedure.
Study Search And Contact Information
Where do the study listings come from?
Be The Cure’s study search experience is designed to help people browse public study information more easily. The Researchers’ Information content on the revised site notes that the Find Studies feature pulls publicly available information from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Why can’t I see contact information for some studies?
If contact details are missing, the study may not currently be accepting participants, or the public record may not include active site contact information.
How do I find a study?
The study team decides who is eligible and communicates directly with potential participants.
Who decides whether I can join a study?
The study team decides who is eligible and communicates directly with potential participants.
Can Be The Cure enroll me in a study?
No. Be The Cure helps you learn about research and find opportunities, but the study team manages recruitment and enrollment.
Privacy And Safety
Is health research regulated?
Health research studies follow formal processes and requirements, but the details can vary by study and institution.
Will my personal information be protected?
Privacy and consent are important parts of research participation. The study team should explain how your information will be handled.
Is taking part in research safe?
Every study is different. Before you join, the study team should explain what the study involves and any important information you should know.
For Researchers
How does Be The Cure support researchers?
Be The Cure helps raise awareness of health research and makes it easier for Albertans to discover relevant studies.
How can researchers improve the participant experience?
Researchers can help by keeping public study records clear, current, and complete, including contact details, recruitment status, and plain-language descriptions. Public study records on ClinicalTrials.gov include core elements such as eligibility, recruitment status, and contact information.
Why is clear study information important?
Clear study information helps people understand whether a study may be right for them and makes it easier to take the next step.
Other Ways To Get Involved
Are there ways to support research beyond joining a study?
Yes. Some health research opportunities may include patient and public partner roles, working groups, or advisory participation. Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU) patient-oriented research approach recognizes patients as partners in shaping research.
Can patients help shape research, not just participate in it?
Yes. In some cases, patients, families, and caregivers can contribute as partners by helping inform research priorities and experiences.