Georgia Heart Institute and Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) have completed more than 100 clinical trials over the last 15 years, making us a leader in conducting clinical research in the field. We partner with pharmaceutical and medical device industry leaders, non-profit organizations, private foundations, and government agencies to offer our patients access to the latest, most innovative therapies available.
In addition to the physicians and surgeons who lead clinical trials, our program has a full research team including four dedicated and highly trained registered nurse research coordinator who manage the operations of all cardiology clinical trials. With backgrounds in critical care and cardiology, our research team oversees quality, provides clarity and answers to questions, while also ensuring the best experience possible for patients and referring providers.
With decades of research and clinical trials performed at NGHS, heart patients have already benefited from carotid stenting, robotic angioplasty, MRI compatible pacemakers and new medications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Current Trials
Georgia Heart Institute participates in approximately 30 clinical trials annually, encompassing interventional cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, heart failure, electrophysiology and general cardiology treatment modalities. Our clinical trials are primarily Phase II-Phase IV pharmaceutical and IDE (Investigational Device Exemption) trials.
FAQs
With several ongoing cardiology clinical trials, it’s essential that each patient is carefully considered to determine if a clinical trial is the right fit for their unique condition and health needs. Your physician will evaluate several factors, including your diagnosis, severity of condition and other treatment options, before deciding if a clinical trial would be the best course of care. If there is a specific clinical trial you are interested in, make sure to talk with your physician about the potential benefits, risks and next steps.
Whether it’s a medication, procedure, device or another type of therapy, clinical trials help the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determine which experimental medical interventions may be approved for future use on a larger scale.
For example, pacemakers weren’t available to all patients until they were tested through clinical trials. Now, they’re one of the most proven and trusted treatments for an abnormal heartbeat.
Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing the future of care and trials are the primary way researchers make new, progressive treatments available to patients to advance the field of medicine and improve patient outcomes.
FDA-regulated and highly rigorous protocols and processes in place to ensure clinical trials are as safe as possible for patients. Different Phases of clinical trials exist to evaluate the effectiveness of a new device, medication or therapy. At Georgia Heart Institute, we only offer clinical trials that are in Phase II – Phase IV; therefore, the device/medication has already successfully completed safety evaluations in Phase I trials.
Donna Patrick, RN, BSN, CCRC is the Cardiology Research Nurse Manager at Northeast Georgia Medical Center where she has over 15 years’ experience in conducting clinical research. She currently leads a team of clinical research staff, who together, are dedicated to maintaining operational effectiveness, quality and compliance. She has a total of over 37 years of nursing experience that includes Emergency/ Trauma, Occupational Health Management and Legal Nurse Consulting. She maintains certification in Clinical Research Coordination and is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
Connect With Our Program
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Contact our research team for more information at 770-219-9010. |
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