• Currently Recruiting Studies
• COVID-19: Information for Research Participants

Research at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton relies on the involvement of researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals and research participants. Without research participants, researchers cannot successfully test the effectiveness of new drugs, treatments and therapies.

The video below outlines how clinical research studies can improve the treatments and care that patients receive.

Clinical research studies often try to evaluate:

• if a certain drug is useful in treating a given illness
• if the treatment of an illness improves with a different dose of medication
• if a drug that is already available can also treat another disease
• if participant responses and involvement can help researchers to better understand the causes and effects of illnesses

The public is encouraged to be a part of the clinical research process and help our researchers to answer these questions.  As an academic health sciences centre, visitors and patients may be asked to participate in research.  Some studies recruit participants to fill out questionnaires or participate in diagnostic tests, while others involve the evaluation of new medications and treatments. By taking part in research at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, participants are helping researchers improve the quality of life of patients at SJHH and around the world.

All clinical research studies at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton must be approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (HiREB) to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants involved.  HiREB is a group of scientists, clinicians and ethicists who review the ethical and scientific merits of any study involving humans.

If you are interested in participating in respiratory research, please visit the Pulmonary Research Registry webpage to learn more about being contacted for current and future studies.

If you are interested in taking part in other types of research at St. Joe's, ask your caretaker or physician about getting involved and see the list of recruiting research studies below. 

 

Currently Recruiting Research Studies

 

Are you pregnant? Do you have trouble with uncertainty? Join our research study!

This study is assessing the effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group for the prevention of postpartum anxiety. You may be eligible for this study if you are: 

• 18 years or older 
• Pregnant (up to 30 weeks) 
• Currently in good health 
• Have difficulties with uncertainty

Compensation provided and virtual sessions optional! To learn more about this study contact Melissa: 

• Call: 905-522-1155 ext. 36369 
• Email: mfurtado@stjoes.ca

This project has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (Project #13902)

 

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Adult Voices Needed for COVID-19 Research

We want to hear from you about how to best communicate COVID-19 recommendations.

COVID-19 recommendations are written for healthcare professionals. We want to make these recommendations easier to understand and use by everyone!

Your Role...

• Read a short COVID-19 recommendation and then complete a 15-25 minute survey
  • Enter a draw for a chance to win one of five $50 CAD gift cards
• Optional: complete a 30-60 minute interview to share your perspectives
  • Be compensated with a $25 CAD gift card

To participate, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSMPN86 | For more information, please contact the research coordinator, Shahab, at ssayfi@uwo.ca 

This project has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (Project #3856).

 

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COVID-19 Vaccine Study

A study testing a new vaccine that recognizes three different regions of the SARS-CoV-2 and is given by inhalation rather than the more common route into the muscle. Giving the vaccine directly into the lung is expected to give better protection. The vaccine will be administered to 30 healthy volunteers to evaluate safety and tolerability.

Enrolment Criteria:

• between 18 and 65 years old,
• have had 3 doses of mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer)
• non-smokers and in generally good health
• have not had COVID-19

If you are interested in learning more, please contact howiek@mcmaster.ca. Remuneration provided.

This project has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (Project #14230).

 

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Studying Aging, Mobility, and Chronic Lower Back Pain in Older Adults using Remote Monitoring

If you are between ages 65 and 80 years with an ability to understand commands in English language and in good health condition, you might be eligible to participate in an interesting study on Chronic Low Back Pain.

Note: Parking costs and honorarium will be provided.

If you are interested in research, please contact Toni Tidy (Research Coordinator) by email (tonitidy@mcmaster.ca) or by phone (905-525-9140 ext. 21737).

This project has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (Project #14320).

 

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Do you use E-cigarettes / vape?

We are looking for people to participate in a research study to evaluate the effects of e-cigarettes/vaping on lung health. The study consists of a 2-3-hour visit which will include: questionnaires, breathing tests and an optional phlegm sample.

You are able to participate in this study if:

• You 18+ years old
• Are one of these 3 groups:
  • current e-cigarette non-smokers
  • current dual users of both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes or combustible marijuana
  • current non-e-cigarette using combustible marijuana only

For more information, please contact Abbey at 905-522-1155 (ext. 37677) or via email: aschlatm@stjoes.ca 

This project has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (Project #11353).

 

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Do you have bipolar disorder AND severe premenstrual mood swings?

The Mood Disorders Program at St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is investigating a new treatment targeting severe premenstrual mood (premenstrual dysphoric disorder- PMDD) in individuals with bipolar disorder. Currently, there is no proven treatment for PMDD in individuals with bipolar disorder. We are investigating whether combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder in women with bipolar disorder.

To be eligible for this research study, you must be 16-45 years old, have regular menstrual cycles, stable for mood episodes, and be able to take oral contraceptives. Participants will be compensated for their time and parking expenses.

If you are interested, please contact us for more information at (905) 522 -1155 x39142 or email aslyepch@stjoes.ca

This study has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board under Project #10874

 

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Does Coordination of Oral Anticoagulant Management at Hospital Discharge Improve Patient Outcomes? (COACHeD)

• Are you 18+ years old?
• Will you be discharged soon from hospital on oral anticoagulants (blood thinner or anti-clot pills)?

The Clinical Pharmacology Research team from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is conducting the COACHeD randomized trial to try to improve the effectiveness and safety of medications for patients taking anticoagulant drugs in the first few weeks after patients leave hospital. Patients from St Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton Health Sciences – Juravinski and Hamilton General, Grand River Hospital, Niagara Health – St Catharines, and Brant Community Healthcare System, are eligible to participate.

For more information, please call 905-522-1155 ext. 35269 or email coached@stjoes.ca

 

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Are you healthy? Interested to #Spit4Science?

You may be eligible to participate in our SSIMPLE study ("A Study on Sputum – Minimizing processing, maximizing clinical outcomes") as a healthy participant to help us study immune cells in healthy lungs!

For more information, please contact the research labs of Dr. Nair and Dr. Mukherjee at 905-522-1155 x35004 / x35594, or email: mukherj@mcmaster.ca 

This project has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (Project #13203)

 

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Behavioural Activation Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (BRAVE):

The BRAVE project aims to investigate whether behavioural activation is helpful for people with bipolar disorder. The BRAVE program is a 14-week intervention study, with group sessions twice weekly.

You are able to participate in this study if you: 

1. Are 18 years of age or older
2. Have bipolar disorder
3. Can attend virtual group sessions twice weekly and complete electronic questionnaires that help us understand if this program is working for you. 

If you are interested, please call 905-522-1155 ext. 39065, or email us at mendstudies@gmail.com. To learn about our other studies, visit our website at www.mendstudies.com.

 

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Canadian Health Care Workers During COVID-19

If you work as a health care worker, an individual employed by a health care organization in a supportive role (i.e., environmental services), or administrative/managerial role, you are invited to participate in a research study about your experience during the pandemic.

There are two ways to participate in this study:

1. Interview + Survey: Please contact covid19study@mcmaster.ca
2. Survey Only: Please complete a mental health survey by clicking this link.

This research is funded by the Centre of Excellence for PTSD. This study has been reviewed by HiREB #12667

 

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Are You Recovering from COVID-19?

You may be eligible to participate in a research study looking at how COVID-19 may affect your immune system and lead to long-term health effects.

For more information, please contact Dr. Manali Mukherjee's research lab at 905-522-1155 x37313 / x35594 or via email: mukherj@mcmaster.ca  

 

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Depression Treatment Studies

Do you suffer from depression? Are you currently depressed?

You may be eligible for these studies if you:

•  Are between 16-60 years old
• Are currently depressed

Studies provides psychiatric treatment, parking passes / travel reimbursement and up to $200 compensation upon study completion.

For more details and how to enrol, please email or call Taylor at tloucks@stjoes.ca or (905)-522-1155 ext. 33246. 

 

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Menopausal? Experiencing sexual concerns?

You might be eligible to participate in a clinical study at the Women's Health Concerns Clinic (WHCC), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton! The WHCC is looking for women who are 40-65 years old and: 

• Are perimenopausal or have irregular cycles
• Experience sexual concerns (e.g., decreased desire, pain, decreased sexual satisfaction, impact on self and body-image) 
• Are in otherwise good health

Participants will receive 4 individual weekly sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Virtual participation optional).

Compensation provided! If interested please contact us at: mfurtado@stjoes.ca 

This project has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (Project #11152)​

 

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COVID-19 Cohort Study (CCS)

A COVID-19 Research Study is looking to recruit staff from Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) and any of their affiliated care centres. The COVID-19 Cohort Study (CCS) follows staff throughout the pandemic to find out the rate of COVID-19 infection, antibody levels over time, and the uptake of vaccines against COVID-19.

The researchers are looking for staff who have direct patient contact as well as some that have no contact with patients.

For more information about the study or to see if you are eligible to participate, visit http://www.tibdn.ca/covid-19/hamilton

  

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Help us understand how COVID-19 affects lung health

We are looking for people to participate in a research study to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on lung health. You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Recently recovered from COVID-19
• Have not been diagnosed with COVID-19

For more information, please contact Dr Sarah Svenningsen at svennins@mcmaster.ca or (905) 522-1155 ext. 37313.

This study has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board under Project #11471

 

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Bringing life into COVID: The impact of the stress of pandemic on pregnancy

Are you pregnant? Have you given birth within the last 6 weeks, and were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic? Researchers at McMaster University/Hamilton Health Sciences/St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton are looking for pregnant women/new mothers to take part in a research study looking at the impact of the stress of the pandemic on pregnancy and birth. You will be asked to complete 4 surveys at different times during your pregnancy and your baby’s first year.

Please visit https://obsgynresearch.mcmaster.ca/surveys/?s=9RAP9MWKYE for more information.

Investigators: Dr. Lea Luketic, Dr. Sarah Scattolon, Dr. Sapna Sharma, Dr. Alison Shea

This study has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board under Project #10872.

 

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NEURO ALC STUDY

Are you 21 to 55 years old? Do you regularly drink alcohol?

You may be eligible for a research study investigating brain function in relation to alcohol involvement. Participation in this study will involve:

• A baseline session comprised of a series of questionnaires and computerized tasks 
• an MRI scan session and assessment
• some participants will be invited to meet with a study clinician to get feedback on their alcohol use
• those individuals will also complete a 1-month and 3-month follow up visit 

To find out if you are eligible, call 905-522-1155 ex. 36352 or email neuroalc@mcmaster.ca

NEURO ALC Info Sheet

 

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Pregnant or Postpartum?

We are studying perinatal mental health through an online research study. Please consider participating in this study if you:

• are 18 years or older
• are pregnant or up to 12 months postpartum

You will answer questionnaires online that inquire about your mental health and other related factors. Your participation in this study is greatly appreciated.

If interested, please contact Divya Prasad at: dprasad@stjoes.ca or call 905-522-1155 ext. 39543.

 

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Learning & Decision Making Studies

Are you a healthy person, gambler, or cannabis user over 18 years old?

If so, contact us at The Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. We are conducting studies looking at how people learn and make decisions.

If you are eligible to take part in both studies, you could receive up to $160 in gift cards for your time and effort.

If interested, contact us at 905-522-1155 ext 39616 or email at motivation@stjoes.ca

View the flyer here.

 

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Do you have COPD and have experienced exacerbations in the past 12 months?

This study involves the use of an investigational drug for COPD, in the form of injection, as a supplemental therapy in addition to standard of care medications.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Have a diagnosis of COPD of at least 1 year
• Have had an exacerbation requiring hospitalization or have had 2 or more exacerbations requiring antibiotics and/or prednisone in the past twelve months
• Are between the ages of 40 and 75

 If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact Liz Johnson, research coordinator at 905-522-1155 ext. 35121 or ljohnson@stjoes.ca. This study will take place on the 3^rd floor of the Juravinski Innovation Tower, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (50 Charlton Ave E.)

 

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Menopause and the Brain

This weekly group is for women ages 40-65 who are experiencing menopausal symptoms and difficulties with their thinking (e.g., attention, memory). Participants will learn about menopause the brain, strategies for cognitive difficulties, and ways to develop and maintain healthy a lifestyle during the menopausal transition.

Therapists:

Dr. Elena Ballantyne, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr. Jelena King, Clinical Neuropsychologist

Where:

Clinical Neuropsychology Service at the West 5^th Campus

When:

Sessions are held weekly for 5 weeks. Each session is 2 hours in length beginning in March 2019 from 4-6pm.

Contact:

Dr. Ballantyne: 905-522-1155 ext: 39366
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; West 5^th Campus
Clinical Neuropsychology Service

Research:

This group is part of a research study. Participants are asked to complete tests assessing their thinking skills and to complete several questionnaires before and after participation.

 

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PREGNANT or POSTPARTUM? Experiencing Anxiety or Depression?

This study is looking at the role of emotions in women who are pregnant or postpartum and are experiencing anxiety and/or depression.

Please consider participating in this study if you:

• Are pregnant or postpartum (up to 12 months postpartum)
• Experience anxiety, low mood, depression, and/or irritability 

You will participate in a 2 hour session consisting of an assessment (1 hour); and if eligible, completing questionnaires about emotions and participate in a task measuring emotional response (1 hour). You will be compensated $10 for completing the assessment and $10 for completing the questionnaires and the task on emotional responses.

If interested, please phone the Women's Health Concerns Clinic (WHCC) at (905) 522-1155, ext. 33439. This study will take place at the Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

 

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HEALTHY WOMEN NEEDED for STUDY ON EMOTIONS

This study is looking at the role of emotions in women who have never been pregnant or have had children.

Please consider participating in this study if you:

• Have never been pregnant or had children
• Are otherwise in generally good health and do not experience any mental health concerns

You will participate in a 2 hour session consisting of an assessment (1 hour); and if eligible, completing questionnaires about emotions and participate in a task measuring emotional response (1 hour). You will be compensated $10 for completing the assessment and $10 for completing the questionnaires and the task on emotional responses.

If interested, please phone the Women's Health Concerns Clinic (WHCC) at (905) 522-1155, ext. 33439. This study will take place at the Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

 

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Aggression

Researchers at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and UHN-Toronto Western Hospital are conducting a study about how an investigational drug affects performance on aggression tasks and aggression-related psychology testing. This may one day help us to treat anger and aggression more effectively using a medication.

Click on the thumbnail below for more information: