Research
Research is foundational to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Interdisciplinary, innovative and pioneering investigations at Johns Hopkins not only create scientific history, but they also help tie together world-renowned medical education and unsurpassed patient care.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery is dedicated to improving surgical care and patient success. We strive to understand the causes of obesity and related diseases, such as diabetes, in order to better care for our patients prior to surgery, during the surgical procedure and for the rest of their lives.
One of the areas of care we know requires further study is nutrition before and after surgery, particularly as patients age and more adolescents opt for bariatric surgery. We have concluded one study to determine if chewable vitamins are better absorbed than tablets following bariatric surgery, and we have more studies planned for the future.
We also work to prevent complications from the surgery itself. We have studied whether fondaparinux sodium is more effective than enoxaparin at preventing potentially life threatening blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). We have worked to improve diagnostic techniques for these blood clots, which are currently less effective in obese patients.
Research at the Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery is leading the way for a healthier tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A research study is a scientific way of creating new methods of health care or improving current procedures. Some studies look at using checklists to insure that the proper care is given to the patient while others see if supplements or medicine can improve the health of our patients.
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Without research studies we would never improve how we give care to our patients or learn about new treatments or diseases.
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If you decide you would like to join a research study, you can change your mind at any time. What happens in each study is slightly different. You will find this information in the study consent form.
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This document explains the research study, including why and how it will be conducted. It describes the risks (such as discomfort or bruising after blood draw), benefits (such as no cost testing) and compensation (optional).
A member of the study team will help you understand the consent form and answer any questions you have about the research study. They will ask you to sign the consent form and then will sign it as well. Once you sign the consent form you are officially a participant in this research study. You can always leave the study later if you change your mind.
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Each study has different requirements. Common requirements for participation include age, sex and medical conditions.
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Every study must be reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB only approves a study if the risks are worth the potential benefits. They also make suggestions to assure participants are as safe as possible including protection of their confidentially, a patient’s right to privacy.