Health Research Resources
WHAT IS A HEALTH RESEARCH STUDY?
Health research studies find the answers to our most pressing health care questions.
Health research studies include clinical trials, observational studies, and other types of data-gathering studies where patients are subjects or participants. These studies explore questions and find answers to our most pressing diseases and health conditions.
If you have a health condition, you’re uniquely equipped to share information about that condition that no one else can. Even if you’re perfectly healthy, researchers often need to compare their results with a typical healthy person.
How Health Research Works
What Types Of Studies Are There?
Observational Studies
In an observational study, researchers collect information from patients about a health condition, but they don’t try to address that condition. They often compare their findings with data from healthy volunteers.
The purpose of the study is to help researchers see if there are any differences between patient groups, and if so, if the difference relates to the condition they’re studying. Your role could be as a participant with a condition or as a healthy volunteer.
Interventional Studies
In an interventional study, researchers examine a new procedure, treatment, or method to find out how safe or effective it is. It could be anything from a surgical procedure to a new medication or therapy. Depending on the study, the time commitment can be as much or as little as you want.
Like observational studies, interventional studies also compare two or more groups to see if there’s a difference after the intervention. As a participant, you would receive a treatment and be studied for its effects on you.
Studies Happening In Alberta
Several study types are held in Alberta, covering key disease types and demographics. Some studies happening in Alberta include:
Heart And Stroke Research
Stroke is the leading cause of disability among adults in Canada and the third leading cause of death. Heart and stroke research is helping Albertans improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Learn More about Heart and Stroke Research in Alberta.
Heart and Stroke Research
Gastrointestinal Health Research
At some point in their lives, 6 out of 10 Canadians will suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Alberta has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. Gastrointestinal health research in Alberta is focused on better understanding GI disease and finding more effective treatments for conditions like IBD and other digestive disorders. Learn More about Gastrointestinal Health Research in Alberta.
Gastrointestinal Health Research
Cancer Research
Almost 50% of Albertans will develop cancer in their lifetime. Cancer research in Alberta is advancing new treatments, improving survival rates, and creating more opportunities for better patient care. Explore how research is making a difference and where progress is happening across the province.
Cancer Research
Women And Children’s Health Research
Women’s and children’s health research is helping address the unique and often overlooked health needs of these populations. Learn how Alberta researchers are working to improve care, outcomes, and well-being for women, children, and families.
Women & Children’s Health Research
Why Should I Take Part?
Taking part in research can help you better understand your health and contribute to better care for others. Depending on the study, you may help advance knowledge about a condition or gain access to new treatments being explored. Your participation supports research that can improve health care in Alberta and beyond.
How Can I Take Part?
Interested in helping further health research in Alberta? Right now, there are thousands of active research studies happening in Alberta. Check out the clinical research database and talk to your doctor about participating.
Other Research Opportunities
Health research opportunities for patients include taking part in working groups, councils, and steering committees as research partners. You can even take a more active role by co-leading research to make sure findings are meaningful to the public.
Learn More about other health research opportunities in Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU) website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about health research and what taking part involves? Explore our FAQs to find clear answers and learn more about what to expect.
