Advancing Medicine and Your Quality of Life Through Research
The ability to diagnose and treat diseases has advanced significantly over the past few decades. These advances have been made possible by sustained efforts in medical research, in which several generations of doctors, scientists, and patients have actively participated.
A significant portion of this research relies on the use of clinical data from patients contained in medical records, such as laboratory test results or medical treatments. Through this, you can contribute to medical progress.
Below, you will find information about the protection of your data and your rights.
How can you contribute to research?
By checking “YES” and signing the consent form, you agree to have your data reused for research purposes. This includes data collected in the past, as well as data that will be collected during your current and future hospital stays. Your consent is voluntary. It remains valid indefinitely or until you withdraw it. You may withdraw your consent at any time by using the contact information provided on the last page of this brochure, without having to justify your decision. If you withdraw your consent, your data will no longer be available for new research projects. Regardless of your decision—whether you agree or decline—it will not affect the quality of care you receive.
How can clinical research improve your quality of life?
In some cases, research may focus on effective management of care as well as its impact on patients. The findings from this type of research can therefore help optimize diagnosis, treatment, and care, thereby improving your quality of life.
How is your health information protected?
Data is stored at Hôpital de La Tour and protected in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Only authorized employees of the facility—such as doctors—have access to your data in an identifiable form.
If your data is used for a research project, it will be coded or anonymized. “Coded” means that all personal information—such as your name or date of birth—is replaced by a code. The key that links each code to a specific individual is kept securely by someone not involved in the research project. People who do not have the coding key are unable to identify you. In the case of anonymization, the link between the associated data and the individual is permanently severed, meaning that no specific participant can be reidentified.
Who can access your health information?
The data may be used by researchers who have received authorization for research projects conducted at Hôpital de La Tour or in collaboration with public institutions (university hospitals or universities) and private entities (such as pharmaceutical companies) in Switzerland or abroad. Making data available for research projects abroad requires that data protection standards be at least equivalent to those applied in Switzerland. Any research project using your data must have obtained approval from the relevant ethics committee.
Will you be notified of the search results?
Research conducted using your data will generally not reveal any individual health information. In rare cases, however, relevant findings—for which treatments or preventive measures are available—may be discovered. In such cases, you will be notified.
Does your participation result in any costs or financial benefits?
Your participation will not incur any additional costs for you. The law prohibits the sale of data. Therefore, neither you nor Hôpital de La Tour will derive any financial benefit from this.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
If you have any questions or would like to withdraw your previously given consent, please write to us at the following address: Info.crc@latour.ch
Would you like to learn more about the research conducted at Hôpital de La Tour?
Visit the page dedicated to scientific research and publications.