Participants in a challenge trial stay in an inpatient facility called the challenge unit. You are reimbursed for any time participating in the study, and while you are in the challenge unit, your free time is your own.

Visit our participation page or read our blog to find out more about the challenge study participant experience.

Yes, you may withdraw from the study for any reason at any time.

Those who withdraw from the study while still potentially contagious will be given a full course of antibiotics to resolve symptoms and be followed up with by study staff.

There will be no costs to you to take part in this study.

However, you may be impacted financially due to lost work, childcare, travel, gas, etc.

You will receive compensation for each day as an inpatient, as well as each outpatient visit you attend.

A parking pass will be provided at the end of each study visit if you park in the IWK parking garage.

While it is unlikely that you will directly benefit from participating in a clinical study, there are potential benefits, such as:

• Contributing to the development of vaccines and treatments that may improve public health.

• Helping advance scientific understanding of specific diseases.

• Gaining insights into your own health through the monitoring and assessments conducted during the study.

The information gathered from these studies plays a critical role in the development and improvement of vaccines, treatments, and public health strategies for a variety of diseases.

Safety is our top priority, and every precaution is taken to protect participants from severe illness or adverse events. However, as with any clinical study, there are potential risks to consider, including:

• Health Risks: You may experience mild symptoms related to the disease being studied, such as fever, fatigue, or other minor side effects. These symptoms will be closely monitored, and prompt treatment will be provided to minimize discomfort and prevent complications.

• Isolation: Some studies may require a period of isolation in an inpatient unit. This could lead to feelings of loneliness, mental stress, or financial pressures. Support is available to help you manage these challenges, including mental health resources.

• Other Risks: Participation may involve procedures or interventions that carry a small risk of discomfort or side effects, such as blood draws or vaccinations.

All studies are carefully designed to minimize risks, and our team will provide continuous medical care and support throughout your participation.

Your signature on the form indicates that you have understood to your satisfaction the information regarding participation in the research project and agree to participate as a subject. In no way does this waive your legal rights nor release the investigator(s), sponsors, or involved institution(s) from their legal and professional responsibilities. If you become ill or injured as a direct result of participating in this study, necessary medical treatment will be available at no additional cost to you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without jeopardizing the health care you are entitled to receive.

If you have any questions at any time during or after the study about research in general or your rights as a participant, you may contact the Research Office of the IWK Health Centre at 902-470-7879, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm.

Yes, there will be wireless internet provided to the participants of the study.

Yes, we highly encourage participants to bring personal laptops and tablets.
Staff are happy to work with you to make sure your working hours are undisturbed by study procedures.

We encourage participants to interact with each other through the moderated activities implemented by staff. However, this is not an obligation to the study.

If you are participating in a challenge study, you will stay overnight in our Challenge Unit. You will be isolated in the inpatient unit for up to 16 to 21 days. You will not be able to leave before then unless you decide you no longer want to participate in the study.

Yes, participants are encouraged to bring entertainment such as books, gaming consoles, laptops, tablets, or your knitting! You may also bring personal items such as a yoga mat, blanket, or pillow.

We do ask that any cloth items be machine-washable.

Lockers are available for secure storage.