Criteria For Approval of Research Studies

at SFGH General Medicine Clinic (GMC)

The following criteria must be met for any research studies to be conducted at the GMC:

1. Minimal additional administrative work for GMC staff or providers.
2. No significant impact on patient flow in the clinic.
3. No obvious duplication of patient contacts by concurrent research studies.
4. Letters to patients are not signed by GMC staff or providers.  There is no implication of GMC provider involvement, unless appropriate.
5. Providers are given patient lists for review prior to patient contact.
6. Study is relevant to our patients, and appropriate patient incentives are included.
7. Research group will be available to provide a written and/or oral presentation of the outcomes of the study at GMC staff meeting and/or DGIM meeting.
8. Study must be approved by the UCSF CHR and the SFDPH Privacy Board.

Process for initiating research studies at GMC

1. Initial contact by research group with GMC Practice Manager (Lynn Crotto).
2. Letter sent to research group which outlines GMC criteria for approval of research studies.
3. If research group believes they do or can meet all criteria, protocol is sent to GMC Medical Director (Alice Chen) who is also available to answer any questions prior to submission of protocol.
4. Protocol is reviewed by the GMC Management Team, in consultation with Division Chief (Andy Bindman).
5. Research group provides lists of potential patient contacts to primary care providers for review.
6. Primary care providers indicate which patients should not be contacted, for whatever reason, for the study.
7. Research group provides final list of contacts to Medical Director for approval.
8. Study proceeds
9. Research group provides a final list of contracts to Medical Director for approval
10. Research group gives presentation at GMC staff and/or DGIM meetings on outcomes of study.

Contribution to GMC:

The GMC requests that all studies involving GMC patients make a voluntary donation to the GMC Fund at the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation.  The suggested donation range is $50-$500, depending on the total study budget.  If this would represent a hardship, please let us know and we can discuss your circumstances.  These funds are used to support GMC staff development and team-building activities.