General research project participant information

In addition to offering the best care for our patients, we also aim to build on the knowledge of diseases in our patients in order to improve the outcomes we can achieve for future patients. For that reason, we invite you to participate in the pet-focused research undertaken at the University of Liverpool. There are two broad types of projects detailed here; if there are other types of projects ongoing (such as clinical trials), we will discuss these with you separately.

Research databank

The Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) treats thousands of animals each year: this has allowed us to accumulate a lot of information about different diseases, diagnostic tests and treatment options.  We have used this information for studies that have helped us improve our diagnosis and treatment of disease.  We are asking for your consent to allow us, in the future, to use the data from your pet’s visits to us to help us learn more.   This has no effect at all on the tests or treatment he or she receives now.
 
The Databank aims to allow us to review data from our patients to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of small animal diseases.

What is the Databank?

The Databank is a large collection of clinical information from our cases, which is available for retrospective research (i.e. carrying out research on historical cases).

What do we mean by data?  

The data includes everything in the clinical records, including written notes, case sheets, test results and images (x-rays or scan, ECGs).

Who will be using the data?  

This information will only be accessible to SATH staff, approved University of Liverpool research students or close collaborators.  All studies must be approved by the Vet Ethics Committee before work can begin. 

Where will the data be collected and stored?  

The data is stored on various clinical databases, which are only accessible to our staff or individuals we specifically give access to.

What sort of studies will be done?  

There are many different potential studies, but studies involving banked data we have carried out in the past include investigations of outcomes after treatment for irregular heart rhythms and response rates in cats to particular chemotherapy drugs.   

How will I find out about research findings?  

The results of studies carried out in the future will not be reported to the owners of the pets whose data was used for the studies.   However, the results of studies will be published in scientific journals, so that knowledge spreads throughout the veterinary community.

Can I withdraw my consent?  

Unfortunately, once consent has been given, this can only be withdrawn within 7 days.  This is because it is difficult for us to withdraw data later, particularly when studies anonymise data so we cannot identify the data from a specific patient. 

Use of Surplus Clinical Material

The Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) diagnoses and treats thousands of pets each year. During clinical investigations, it is usually necessary to take samples (for example, a biopsy or blood sample). After completion of these investigations, often there is some sample left over; normally, this material would be discarded once we are sure it is no longer needed. This surplus sample can be extremely valuable for research investigating the diseases which the pets are affected by. We are asking for your consent to allow us to store this surplus sample and use it for future research. This does not affect at all the tests or treatment your pet will receive, and the same amount of samples will be taken regardless of whether you choose to allow us to use this material or not.

The aim of using this surplus clinical material is to help us improve the diagnosis and treatment of small animal diseases.

Will all samples be kept?

We are not able to store all samples, so the samples stored will depend on what projects are ongoing at the time your pet comes to see us. A list of current projects can be viewed on the Small Animal Teaching Hospital website in the research section.

Who will be using the samples?

The samples will only be accessible to approved University of Liverpool research staff and students, or occasionally to close research collaborators outside the University. No personal information about you or your pet will be published or passed outside the University of Liverpool at any stage. All studies must be approved by the Veterinary Research Ethics Committee before work can begin.

Where will the samples be collected and stored?

The samples will be collected and stored on-site within the University of Liverpool.

What sort of studies will be done?

There is a variety of studies that could be performed, but examples could include examination of DNA or protein in samples in order to better understand the cause or prognosis of a disease or to assess or develop a new treatment.

How will I find out about research findings?

The results of studies carried out in the future will not be reported to the owners of the pets directly. However, the results of studies will be published in scientific journals, so that knowledge spreads throughout the veterinary community. Details of published studies will be included on the SATH website.

Can I withdraw my consent?

Should you wish to withdraw your pet's sample after agreeing to participate, please let us know by contacting the SATH reception. If you have a complaint, please contact the Chair of Veterinary Ethics in the first instance. If, after this, your complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved, please contact the University of Liverpool research governance office.

What projects using clinical material are currently ongoing?

You can find a list of our ongoing research projects here. Each project listed states whether clinical material is being used.

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