Participating in research: How does it work?

Thousands of studies are happening at Geisinger. Some require little time and effort from participants. Others may require anywhere from an hour or two to a long-term commitment of visits over weeks or even months.

If you’re willing to participate in research, many opportunities don’t require a lot of time or effort — MyCode is a good example. When you consent to participate in MyCode, you allow researchers to use information stored in your electronic medical record and provide a sample of your blood or saliva. This is usually done when you’re already at a Geisinger facility for an appointment.

Interested in more active involvement? You can engage in research in many ways:

• Responding to surveys
• Participating in focus groups or interviews
• Joining a clinical trial to help determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe

If you’d like to be added to our list of participants for survey research, email us at getinvolved@geisinger.edu.

Why is research important?

Without you, your family and our community of participants, we can’t conduct the groundbreaking research that helps improve the care you and others receive. Regardless of the time and effort involved, your participation makes it possible for Geisinger researchers to develop new insights and discoveries.

What if I change my mind?

Your participation in research is voluntary. If you decide you no longer want to participate, you can stop whenever you want.

Geisinger is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of research participants and promoting excellence in all aspects of research. Learn more about Geisinger's Human Research Protection Program (HRPP).