Coming to your research appointment

Research appointments can vary depending on the type of study your child is taking part in.

When you come to the hospital, your child will be taken care of by someone from the study team. There may be lots of different people involved in your child’s study.

You will receive an information sheet that explains what will happen at each visit and how long we expect each visit to take. A research nurse will also go over this information with you to make sure you have a chance to ask any questions you might have.

We sometimes have student nurses and doctors observing our appointments as part of their training. If we have a student joining us, you and your child will be asked if you are comfortable with the student observing. You can request that the student does not observe your child’s appointment.

At the end of each research appointment, a research nurse will explain to you and your child what you need to do next. If you need to return for another appointment they will confirm the details of the appointment with you.

Your information sheet with tell you about:

• what your study is about
• why it is being done
• who is doing the research and who is funding it
• the benefits
• any possible side effects
• any possible risks in taking part in the study.

You and/your child should read the information sheet very carefully and discuss it with your family.

If there is anything in the information sheet you don’t understand, or you have any questions, you can ask any member of the study team and they will help you. 

If your child is taking a medication or using a machine as part of the study, you will usually be given an alert (information) card which you can show to health professionals. This is so they know what your child is currently using and who they need to contact for further information.

If your child requires urgent medical care you should always call 999.