COVID-19: Communicating with Research Participants

Dear Pitt Researcher,

Please see the following joint message from Pitt and UPMC related to research participants. Please follow these recommendations when communicating with your participants:

We recommend notifying research participants before they arrive at UPMC or Pitt facilities for their study that if they have traveled to locations where COVID-19 is circulating, have been in contact with someone ill with COVID-19, or are currently sick with fever and respiratory symptoms, they should not participate in the study at this time. This notification could be by phone, automated message, email, letter, etc.

Message for Research Participant: Given concerns about COVID-19, we ask that if you have traveled to locations where COVID-19 is circulating, have been in contact with someone ill with COVID-19, or are sick with fever and respiratory symptoms, please notify research staff and postpone your study participation. It is recommended that you also contact your primary care office to address any symptoms you are experiencing. If you believe you have come in contact with a COVID-19 case, we recommend that you contact your local health department.

Thank you,

Rob A. Rutenbar
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research
University of Pittsburgh
 
Steven E. Reis
Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical Research, Health Sciences
Director, Clinical and Translational Science Institute
University of Pittsburgh