Clinical Researchers
Clinical research requires special attention to issues of informed consent and confidentiality.
Because patients have a right to assume that decisions about their treatments are
made in their best interests, the physician-investigator should disclose all significant
alternatives and risks to patient-subjects so that they can make an informed judgment
about participation. Signed copies of informed consent must be placed in the patient's
clinical records as well as with research records. Clinical research records remain
the property of the University; the administrative heads of the department/division
of the faculty conducting clinical trials are responsible for maintenance of the records.
Faculty members may make copies of the records upon departure from the University,
as may the company that sponsors the clinical trials.