For Researchers
Looking for Research Support?
For research support, please complete the SCORE Research Support Request Form below with as much information as you can – this will help us to better support you. All requests will be reviewed by our team in the order they are received. We will try our best to be in touch within 5 business days. Requests are reviewed by our research committee for acceptance and not all requests may be accommodated by our team.
Research Resources
There are many resources available to you as a researcher in the Stollery Cardiac Program.
Research Roadmap
You have a research question? Great! Here’s a guide to help equip you with what you need to efficiently and effectively get your project off the ground.
Develop Your Protocol & Materials
Prepare a solid, well-reviewed protocol. Think through all of the practical aspects of conducting your research. The UofA’s Clinical Trials Office (CTO) has templates to help you bring together the details of your study.
Prepare any other materials you plan to use during your research, such as:
- Case report forms (CRFs)
- Recruitment materials (posters, flyers, invitations, telephone scripts, social media posts)
- Informed Consent and Assent Forms (ICFs)
- Questionnaires and Surveys
Reach out for support from SCORE!
Our team has research coordinators who are experienced with the research process and are happy to help guide you throughout the process. A good time to connect with them is after your draft protocol has been developed: SCORE Research Support Request Form.
Data Collection, Management & Analysis
What data sources do you anticipate requiring in order to collect the data for your study? These can include participant reported outcomes and surveys, or data collected from consented participants’ medical record. If you are planning to access Alberta Health Services (AHS) data for research purposes you will require additional AHS approvals to do so. You may wish to request data to be extracted from AHS clinical systems through working with a Health Information Analyst as well.
Think about how you are going to record and store the data you will be collecting. Your data will need to be securely stored. Consider using an online data management system such as REDCap, a free resource available through WCHRI (for UofA research and quality improvement) and AHS (for quality improvement only).
Meet with a biostatistician to discuss a data analysis plan for your project. Doing this in the early phases of your project can help set you up for success! As recommended by the University of Alberta Pediatrics Office of Research, the following resources are available to you:
- WCHRI Biostatistics Support: For research within the WCHRI mandate, we encourage researchers to start by completing the support request form. This allows WCHRI to evaluate the project and provide appropriate biostatistical support.
- Department of Math/Stats Statistical Consulting Service: When WCHRI support or timelines do not align with project needs, researchers should consider the Statistical Consulting Service in the Department of Math/Stats. This service offers robust statistical support across a wide range of disciplines.
- Alberta SPOR Support Unit: If the researcher has project funding and is able to pay for services, the Alberta SPOR Support Unit is another excellent option.
Develop a Budget and Consider Funding Opportunities
Some research studies may require funding. Think of everything you may need in order to complete your research study – personnel, equipment, lab supplies, recruitment materials, biostatistician support, participant incentives, software programs and more.
Learn more about funding opportunities here.
Budget templates are available through NACTRC and the UofA Research Services Office.
Submit for Approvals
Research projects conducted at the University of Alberta must be submitted through the Alberta Research Information Services (ARISE).
Additionally, if any aspect of your study is conducted outside of the University of Alberta or with another institution, ethics approval will need to be obtained from the other institutions as appropriate.
In Alberta, multi-site research studies can apply through REB EXCHANGE (REBX), in addition to approval at the home institution. The corresponding Research Ethics Board will review your protocol and all research documents to ensure compliance with the highest national and international standards. This approval process can take 1 week to 4 months depending on the complexity and invasiveness of your study.
AHS Operational and Administrative ApprovalsÂ
Approvals are required for any clinical area you intend to access while conducting your research activities. Approvals are granted through NACTRC, who assess the impact your study will have on healthcare resources. You can begin this process while your ethics application is under review.
Data Disclosure and Transfer Agreements
Data Disclosure Agreements (DDAs) are required by researchers accessing AHS data for research purposes. If you are conducting a multi-site study where AHS or UofA data is being shared with other institutions, or other insitutions’ data is being shared with you, appropriate agreements must be put in place. NACTRC and the UofA Research Services Office assist with these agreements.
Begin your Research!
Once everything is in place, you may begin your research study. Throughout your study, be sure to follow your protocol, maintain good documentation and secure records to ensure the highest quality of research. You will need all of this information when you write up your study and report your results.
