Information for research participants

At this time, clinical research appointments remain on hold.
- Only research activities involving patients who are already in the hospital or are coming into the hospital for a scheduled clinical visit may resume, provided specific criteria are met (see "June 8: Returning to Research" for details)
We are determining the safest way for study teams to recommence clinical research projects and schedule new appointments.
Participant safety is a top priority for us. Your study team is carefully considering which visits are needed in-person, and which may be done over the phone or through other means.
If your study team schedules a new appointment, please click here for more information about coming to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have a research visit scheduled and have a new or worsening cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath (worse than normal), or runny nose, please call your study team to see if you should still come to the hospital for your research visit.
St. Joe’s has limited entrances to our sites and is conducting COVID-19 screening of all patients, research participants, staff, and physicians. A list of entrances and more information on the screening process is available here.
We are asking that you do not arrive more than 15 minutes early before your appointment to limit the number of people in the hospital.

Please know that our hospital is safe to visit and some of the changes you will see are measures to keep our patients and staff. Click here to learn more before coming to your appointment. When clinical research appointments are reintroduced, please remember to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, including when you enter and leave a clinical area.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially while in public.
- Whenever possible, maintain a distance of 2 meters (6 feet) from others.
- Wear a mask throughout the hospital. You will be provided with a mask at the available entrances.

As the risk level changes, we will gradually begin to reintroduce clinical research appointments.
Your study team will contact you to discuss future appointments and your ongoing participation in research.
If you have any questions about coming to the Hospital, please contact your study team.

Your participation in a research study is always voluntary and you are not required to keep an appointment. However, there may be safety-related concerns with missed study treatments or visits.
Speak with your study team if you have any concerns about your appointment, or if you don’t feel comfortable coming to the Hospital.

The Government of Canada requires everyone who has travelled outside of Canada within the past 14 days to self-isolate at home, regardless of symptoms.
As of March 25, 14-day self-isolation for returning travellers is mandatory under the Quarantine Act.
Visit the Ontario COVID-19 website for more information on how to stop the spread of the virus and minimize your risk.

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