​​​​​​​Research plays an essential role in improving quality of care and outcomes for patients.  As a patient, there are many different types of studies you can get involved in, from filling out surveys and questionnaires to participating in clinical trials.

REACH BC maintains a list of research projects in British Columbia that are looking for participants. You can search by research topic to find studies of interest to you. 

Kidney researchers in BC are also involved in clinical trials to test new medications and treatments.

If you’re looking to get involved as a patient partner, visit our patient and family engagement page​. Patient partners contribute in various ways includes designing, planning, implementing and evaluating our kidney care services with a committee or working group for a set term. They may also participate in one-time activities such as surveys, focus groups and interviews.

Patients who are interested in participating in a clinical trial should speak with their nephrologist or primary care physician. For general information regarding different types of clinical studies, reasons to participate and what to expect, please visit the PHSA website​​.  

Clinical trials and research studies must go through a review process by a Research Ethics Board to ensure they meet rigorous standards for safety, accountability and respect for participants. To find out more about the ethics review process, visit the website of the university or health authority that approved the trial. 

For a database listing clinical trials in the U.S., Canada and many countries around the world, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.​