Research Center

At the St. Bernards Research Center, we are dedicated to the promotion of scientific research in healthcare. Every day our experts explore healthcare innovations and conduct clinical research, all to develop the programs necessary to sustain our role as the area’s community healthcare leader well into the future.

The Research Center complements and supports the overall mission of St. Bernards—to provide Christ-like healing to the community through education, treatment and health services. We’re working to unite professionals, academia, industry and our community.

What is a clinical research project?

A clinical research project is a specific test, drug, treatment, device, or survey that addresses a particular healthcare concern. This may include, but is not limited to, comparing new drug therapies against traditionally used treatments or the testing of new medical devices. The intention behind clinical research is to assess the benefits and possible risks associated with the drug, device or treatment under study.

Who conducts clinical research projects?

Clinical research projects are often a cooperative effort between universities and clinics or medical centers like St. Bernards.

Every clinical research project has a dedicated team, typically consisting of local doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare specialists working together to conduct the study. Our research teams choose patients for specific projects and direct their care during the project following the rules of the specific study.

Who acts on behalf of patients’ rights during clinical research?

St. Bernards, like all organizations participating in clinical research projects, has an Institutional Review Board, or IRB. This board is made up of community members and healthcare professionals who work to protect the rights of all participants and ensure confidentiality is maintained. The IRB at St. Bernards operates under strict federal and state regulatory guidelines. To further protect our research participants, all IRB members are educated on the rights and appropriate care of research volunteers.

Please note: The information on this Web site is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Active Clinical Trials

1. OCULAR SURFACE HEALTH IN GLAUCOMA PATIENTS
   1. COMPARING
      This study is comparing the ocular surface health of glaucoma patients with 2 different treatments. It is being conducted at Southern Eye Associates by Dr. Thomas Stank and Matthew Margolis.
2. EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES
   1. LONG TERM LINEZOLID USE
      A study looking at the function of the eye in patients using linezolid for 2 months or greater. This trial will be done in conjunction with Infectious Disease and Control Consultants and Southern Eye Associates.
3. GASTROINTESTINGAL STUDY
   1. REASONS
      A study to compare the efficacy of two different non-steroidal drugs. This study will be performed at Paragould Doctors Clinic in Paragould, AR.
4. INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE STUDY
   1. DIFFERING FLU STRAINS
      This study is tracking the differing flu strains. It is being conducted at First Care Stadium by Dr. Stephen Golden.
5. MRSA SKIN INFECTION STUDY
   1. EFFICACY
      This study is comparing the efficacy of a topical ointment with an oral antibiotic for subjects who have impetigo or simple skin infections. This study is being conducted at First Care Stadium Clinic and Paragould Doctors Clinic.
6. OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA/ OCULAR HYPERTENSION STUDY
   1. COMPARING
      This study is comparing the intraocular pressure lowering ability and tolerability of an injectable agent.
7. PRE-TERM LABOR STUDY
   1. INPATIENT STUDY
      This is an inpatient study that is studying the ability of new agents to stop pre-term labor progressions. It is being conducted at St. Bernards Medical Center by Dr. Joseph Sams.
8. ULCERATIVE COLITIS
   1. ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT
      This study is researching an alternative treatment for subjects suffering from mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It is being conducted by Dr. Matt Garner at Clopton Clinic.

Special Services

Dedicated Research Center - We provide a full-time research coordinator and necessary support staff.

Affiliations - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AHEC Northeast Family Practive Residency and Arkanasas State University.

Inpatient Research Capability -