Research Studies Now Recruiting
Researchers at IWK Health are currently recruiting participants for the following research studies.
Canadian Center for Vaccinology
The Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) is looking for volunteers of various ages on an ongoing basis.
Volunteer opportunities at CCfV may include clinical trials for new vaccines, surveys or focus groups to learn about your experiences with vaccination or public health measures, or challenge studies (inpatient studies that expose healthy adult volunteers to a disease in a controlled and contained environment). Reimbursement differs from study to study and may include travel and parking costs as well as reimbursement for your time.
Are you or someone you know interested in being a part of vaccine or infectious disease research? View a full list of recruiting studies at centerforvaccinology.ca or visit challengeunit.ca to find out more about CCfV challenge studies. If you don’t see a current study you are eligible for, we would love to add you to our mailing list. You can contact us at ccfv@iwk.nshealth.ca.
PRIMeR - Autism Research Study
Does your preschooler with autism use less than 10 words? Do they not show interest in playing with toys? Are you looking for ways to help your child?
Some services help many children with autism and their families a lot—but a few children don’t gain as much. With this research study, we want to learn how to help young children with autism who have the lowest levels of
A research coach will talk you through the steps of a play-based approach (toys provided) for building your child’s skills. You will have 10, virtual one-on-one sessions with your coach over 8 weeks.
Participants will receive compensation.
To learn more about participating, please contact Kathryne at PRIMeR@iwk.nshealth.ca
REB #1027196
The Social ABCs - Autism Research Centre Study
The Autism Research Center is working to develop an innovative approach to increase access to an early intervention program for toddlers who show signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This program, called the Social ABCs, teaches parents ways to help their children connect and communicate with their caregiver. In this study, we'll examine how well it works to teach this program virtually to a group of parents/caregivers.
What’s involved?
- Filling out questionnaires
- Attending virtual workshops with other parents of toddlers showing early signs of ASD
- Weekly one-on-one virtual meetings with a Social ABCs Parent Coach over 6 weeks (sessions will be video recorded to measure learning).
You may be eligible if:
- Your child is between 12-42 months.
- Your child has social communication challenges or a diagnosis of ASD.
- You have access to a webcam and computer with high-speed internet.
Please email stacey.macwilliam@iwk.nshealth.ca or call 902-470-7275 to find out more about this study.
REB # 1026965
Study: Implementing and Evaluating a Framework to Support the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care
Are you a youth or patient/caregiver from Hematology, Gastroenterology or Cardiology? Are you interested in the transition from pediatric to adult care?
The Transition of Care Framework was designed to support transition processes and improve health outcomes for youth. We want to compare your transition experience before and after the Framework has been used.
Who can participate?
- Youth aged 14-16 years old or caregivers of youth who are being seen in one of the participating clinics (hematology, gastroenterology, cardiology)
How do I participate?
- Complete one 15-20 minute survey. The survey will ask questions/statements related to managing you or your child's helathcare.
- Participants will be entered into a draw to receive 1 of 30 gift cards.
To learn more, please contact: megan.churchill@iwk.nshealth.ca.
REB # 1030281
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Sertraline vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The CALM Study
Kids and Beyond-NeuroDevelopmental Trials Network (KINDtrials), Réseau KINDtrials- Essais Neurodéveloppementaux pour Tous, is researching genes, the brain, and behaviour to find potential treatments in neurodevelopmental disorders.
What is this study about?
- We are currently studying a medication called sertraline to help reduce anxiety in children and teens with neurodevelopmental disorders!
Who can participate?
- Children and teens between 8 and 17 years old
- Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, or genetic diagnosis of Fragile X, tuberous sclerosis or 22q11 deletions
- Meet criteria for an anxiety disorder
- Able to tolerate venipuncture (bloodwork)
What's involved?
- This study is comparing sertraline against a placebo for reducing anxiety symptoms
- The trial is 16 weeks long
- There are 7 study visits
- Study procedures include bloodwork, smartwatch technology and questionnaires
Potential benefits?
- Sertraline may help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents.
- This research will help other children and families with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Potential risks?
- The most common side effects are headache, nausea and dry mouth.
Participants will receive a gift card at each visit to thank them for their time.
For more information, contact Stacey or Kathryne at 902-470-7275 or CALMStudy@iwk.nshealth.ca.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Megan Thomas
REB # 1030467