Cayuga Health will remain the region’s leading healthcare system, and most trusted driver of integrated health services, together with valued partners. We empower our people and employ our capabilities to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve.
Institutional Review Board
Advances in medical treatment and patient care are made through research that includes clinical trials and studies conducted in health-care settings. The medical therapy we provide to our hospital patients today is based on research that was conducted in the past, just as tomorrow’s standards of care are being developed through research going on right now.
At Cayuga Health patient safety is our top priority. At the same time, we want to be able to offer our patients the most current treatment options. With that goal in mind, we participate in national studies and professional research.
Research at Cayuga Medical Center
It is the responsibility of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure the safety of patients who are asked to voluntarily participate in clinical trials, studies, and new protocols conducted at Cayuga Medical Center.
Our goals are to ensure:
- The study poses minimal risk to the patient and any risk is outweighed by benefits to the patient and to the advancement of clinical care.
- Patient confidentiality will be maintained
- The patient gives informed consent. This means that the patient understands the important facts about the study and can decide whether or not to participate based on those facts. It also means that newly discovered benefits, risks, or side effects discovered during the study will be shared with the patient.
What’s the process?
When a physician, professional staff member, or other researcher requests permission to conduct research at Cayuga Medical Center, the IRB carefully reviews the study guidelines, protocols, eligibility criteria, investigator qualifications and possible conflicts of interest.
When studies are conducted in collaboration with our affiliated medical centers and universities, they go through a similar process of approval with that institution’s IRB, in addition to our own review.
Who is on the IRB?
The members of the IRB at Cayuga Medical Center include:
- Members of the Cayuga Medical Center Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team
- Our vice president for Medical Affairs
- Physician members of our medical staff
- Community professionals (pharmacist, lawyer, pastor)
- Representatives from community social service agencies and the general public
What types of studies is Cayuga Medical Center participating in?
We participate in a range of studies. Some are national studies, some involve community research, and others are individual research projects. A sampling of recent studies includes breast cancer radiation treatment; prostate cancer treatment; physical therapy for treatment of neck and arm pain; cardiac pacemakers; and infant neurodevelopment.
Click here for a list of the studies currently open at Cayuga Medical Center.
If you have questions about the IRB or about a study being conducted at Cayuga Medical Center in which you may participate, you may call Tracey Bremer, IRB at Cayuga Medical Center, (607) 274-4066.
what our patients are saying
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
