Research
High-quality care at Intermountain begins with research. Through groundbreaking clinical trials and studies across dozens of specialties, patients and researchers work together to evaluate medical treatments, improve health outcomes, and advance healthcare for future generations.
Research that improves care today and tomorrow
The Intermountain Office of Research serves patients with science by providing access to a broad range of innovative clinical trials and studies. Clinical research aims to improve care, from disease prevention, diagnosis, and management to analysis of existing treatments and their long-term health outcomes.
Patients can participate in research that evaluates new therapies and promising care options, while also helping shape the future of healthcare.
Clinical trials often lead to better care for future patients and participation is always voluntary. Each study follows strict safety and ethical guidelines, and participants can leave a study at any time.
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Research participation FAQs
Answers to common questions about research and clinical trials at Intermountain Health.
Informed consent ensures you understand the purposes, risks, and benefits of a study before deciding to participate. To participate in a clinical trial, you will undergo the informed consent process. A qualified member of the study team will explain and answer questions about what participation in the clinical trial entails.
To help you decide whether you will participate in a clinical trial, ask your care team:
- Why is this study being done?
- What will happen during the clinical trial?
- How long will I participate in the clinical trial?
- Will I have to pay for anything?
- Who should I call if I experience any problems?
- Will the results of the study be made available to me?
- What are my other options?
- How is my safety protected?
Clinical trials are important because they generate scientific knowledge on the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of new therapeutics and medical interventions.
Participating in a clinical trial means you are contributing to scientific advancements that can make a lasting impact on healthcare and future patients.
Often, clinical trials are placed in two categories:
- Observational trials address health issues in large groups of people or populations in natural settings.
- Interventional trials determine whether experimental treatments or new ways of using known therapies are safe and effective in controlled environments.
- Phase 1 trials evaluate the safety and dosage of new treatments.
- Phase 2 trials evaluate the effectiveness of the new treatment and its side effects.
- Phase 3 trials compare the new treatment to standard methods used to treat and manage the condition or disease being studied. Once a treatment completes phase 3, it can be approved for use in people who need it.
- Phase 4 trials consist of long-term monitoring after approval of the new treatment to continue compiling date.