What is
the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit of the
The AIDS Clinical Trials
Unit (ACTU) is part of a network of sites around the country that receive
funding from the National Institutes of Health to do research studies on
HIV-related treatments in adults.
What is the purpose
of the research?
Our research efforts focus
on three main approaches to the problems posed by HIV:
1) Finding a way to control
or suppress HIV
2) Finding a way to repair
and restore the immune system
3) Preventing and treating
diseases that complicate HIV infection.
We start new studies every
few months as ongoing research suggests promising new approaches. Some studies
include treatment and others are observational or focus on investigational
medications.
What is the benefit
to the patient?
Laboratory results,
physical exams and most study drugs are provided free of charge. Personal attention and education about HIV
are provided. There is some monetary reimbursement for most studies. The amount
of the reimbursement varies depending on the intensity of the study.
Does the ACTU provide
primary care?
Participation in a research
study does not replace a patient’s primary care provider (PCP). We request that all patients continue to see
their PCP regularly and for all issues not related to the study in which a
volunteer may be enrolled. With the permission of the patient, the
clinician at the ACTU works with the PCP to optimize the patient’s care,
including sharing laboratory and test results.
Will the patient
enter the study the same day they are referred?
The patient will not be
enrolled at the first screening visit.
The patient will get information about the unit and give his/her
voluntary permission to be screened. The screening process for a study may take up to three
visits and typically involves a blood draw, medical history and physical exam,
in order to make sure the patient is eligible for the study This
process can take from one to two hours.
All efforts will be made to see the patient quickly after a referral.
How do we refer a
patient to the ACTU?
The ACTU triage nurse can
assist you with any questions. Screening nurses at the ACTU can be reached at
(206) 731-3184 or by pager at 540-8462.
Or you can email us at actu@u.washington.edu
Please remember that we
cannot guarantee the privacy of email
communications. You can also visit our website to see a complete list of
studies open for enrollment: http://depts.washington.edu/actu
What are our office
hours?
The ACTU is open Monday
through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. A
screening nurse is available usually Monday through Friday between 7:30 am –
4:30 pm.
For more information:
Study brochures and flyers
are available in the ACTU lobby. Our
study lists and flyers are also available in Spanish. If you would like more information about our
clinic or our studies please call 731-3184 and ask to speak with a screening
nurse. Or stop by our office and we will
be happy to talk with you.
We appreciate your
voluntary participation and support!!
HSRC
Approval Date: 05/25/2005