Conducting Research in the ED

The ED is quite often the initial point of care for both acutely and chronically ill patients. We recognize the unique opportunity this offers WSU faculty, who quite often want access to this resource for patient recruitment. We are committed to supporting integrative, multi-disciplinary research to advance science.

To support the highest quality research in the ED, while also ensuring the safety of our patients, the safety of the clinical and research staff and the efficiency of the clinical operations, we have created infrastructure to support collaborative research and processes that must be followed before initiating research in the ED.

All faculty, fellows, residents and trainees who wish to enroll ED patients or perform research activities within the ED at any Detroit Medical Center (DMC) hospital, must have the study approved by the Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Committee (EMCRC). We strongly encourage engaging an EM Clinical Research faculty member as an investigator (in most cases, this will be required).

The mission of the EMCRC is to assess the scientific merit of the research projects and the feasibility of implementing the study in the ED. The EMCRC also ensures that the studies do not pose excessive subject burden, conflict with existing studies, interfere with patient care, impede departmental operations, or place patients, visitors, or staff at risk. The EMCRC approval process is not meant to be a barrier to research. The committee meets monthly (generally, the first Tuesday of each month).

How to Get Initial Approval of a Research Study

Prior to submitting a study for IRB review, all investigators must complete the steps below:  

1. Complete this pre-study start-up form and submit it here.
2. Contact Valeria Mika to schedule a time to present the protocol to the EMCRC.  The presentation should be made by a faculty member who can engage in a discussion regarding the study. 
3. Attend the meeting to briefly present the protocol and engage in a discussion regarding the study. This presentation should include:
   • The purpose
   • The timeline
   • The research methods including the study population, eligibility criteria, and recruitment
     objectives (N= __)
   • ED resources needed
   • Impact on ED operations
   • Funding for research activities
   • Funding for IRB review
4. The EMCRC will either approve the study or request changes.