Information for research participants

As of August 25, 2021, we have entered Phase 3 of our Restarting Research Activities framework.
- Research-only visits are permitted (previously, only those attending for a clinical visit could be part of an on-site research visit in the same unit).
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.
- You will need to show a printed or electronic copy of your Research Activity Letter to the entrance screeners. This letter allows research participants to enter the hospital for research purposes at a specific date and time.
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 safe. Click here to learn more before coming to your appointment.
When visiting the hospital for a research or clinical appointment, 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, clinical research appointments may be affected.
- 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.

Get vaccinated. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and to book an appointment for the vaccine, please visit the Hamilton Public Health Services website at www.Hamilton.ca/Coronavirus.
Stay at home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including new or worsening cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath (worse than normal), or runny nose.
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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