PRACTICE INFORMATION

Working with Synexus Clinical Research SA

How does the process work?

1.  What can a medical professional do?

Synexus SA is a dedicated research site that enrols large numbers of patients onto studies due to dedicated clinical trial staff, quality results and pro-active patient recruitment.  One of our patient recruitment strategies is the development of a medical professional referring database.  This database is made up of medical professionals referring patients to our site for possible participation in studies conducted at the site.  As a healthcare professional, your database is an invaluable tool that allows us to reach the ideal patients quickly. 

The referral of patients to our site can be done using one of the following methods:

• Synexus provides your practise with a study specific fax questionnaire with approximately 3-4 relevant questions to be completed by the medical professional and signed by the willing participant (patient).  In the event of identifying a willing participant, the fax questionnaire should be completed, signed by both parties and faxed to Synexus SA (number available on each fax).
• A database search can be used to identify patients on the practice database diagnosed with a specific condition (study specific).  A letter (approved by a local ethics committee) will be sent to each identified patient informing them about the current study and inviting them to contact Synexus directly if they are interested to participate.  Synexus SA will cover all the postage costs involved in this possess and all procedures are always conducted according to the data protection act of South Africa.
• Patients can be referred to Synexus SA directly by providing the patient with Synexus SA’s contact information.

2.  What happens to the patient once they reach Synexus SA?

• Synexus has modern clinical research centres populated with friendly, local and expert staff offering patients a welcoming atmosphere dedicated to providing high standards of care and uniform study procedures.
• Once Synexus SA receives the contact information of a patient, a friendly trained staff member will contact the patient to complete a telephonic study specific questionnaire.  This questionnaire will provide valuable information to the research doctor to determine whether the patients could possibly be screened for the study according to the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• If a patient is eligible to be medically screened, he or she will be contacted by Synexus SA to schedule an appointment.  The patient will be requested to visit the Synexus site for the study specific visits.  During these visits several tests including, but not limited to, a physical examination, standard biochemistry tests, liver and kidney function tests are performed.  Other study specific tests are DEXA, X-rays and spirometries. A research doctor will discuss the details of the study with the patient impartially and sensitively, reminding them that their participation in a study is voluntary. 
• Following the signing of an informed consent document by the patient, a short questionnaire verifying the medical history of the patient will be sent to the referring practitioner.
• If a patient remains eligible for the study after receiving the screening test results, the study doctor will place the patient into the study.  

Benefits to the Practice

• Being at the forefront of the latest research – Being involved with clinical research offers the huge advantage of being informed and updated on the latest new innovations in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. 
• Patients Results – Eligible patients will receive thorough medical screening to determine eligibility for the study and if patients are eligible they will receive regular medical tests for the duration of the study.  Medical screening test results can be made available to the treating practitioner. The surgery will receive copies of all patient results on request.
• Patient’s visits – Synexus SA is not a treating practice and will thus only prescribe the medication relevant to the study.  All patients enrolled onto a study will continue their visits to their treating practitioner as usual. 

Benefits to the Patient

• Involved in medical research – Patients have the opportunity to be involved in the development and improvement of pharmaceutical science creating new possibilities for future generations. 
• Medical screening – Eligible patients receive a thorough medical screening procedure and several medical tests at different intervals during the study.
• Doctor on call – Patients enrolled onto a study will receive a telephone number to contact a study doctor in case of an emergency.
• Patient consent - Patients are free to withdraw at any time during the study and both the patient and the treating practitioner are kept fully informed throughout the study.
• Refreshments – Coffee, tea and muffins are available to patients during their study visits. 
• Synexus has worked in most therapeutic areas commonly seen in primary health care and we aim to keep our patients happy whilst improving their chances of finding relief from their symptoms. We make it a priority to ensure that the medical practitioner referral process is low maintenance, but beneficial to participating medical surgeries.