Conducting Research in the ED

The emergency department (ED) is a central point for patients to access emergency care and for UW faculty members to conduct research, whether from the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM) or other departments. DEM recognizes the unique position of the ED in advancing science, and is fully committed to supporting integrative, multidisciplinary research.

To support the highest quality research in the ED while ensuring the safety of our patients, the safety of the clinical and research staff, and the efficiency of the clinical operations, we have developed infrastructure to support research and processes that must be followed before initiating research in the emergency department.

All faculty and trainees at DEM who wish to submit a research study for IRB review, as well as other researchers who wish to enroll patients or perform research activities within any UW Health emergency department, must have the study approved by the Emergency Medicine Research Committee (EMRC). For studies led by researchers outside DEM, we strongly encourage engaging a DEM faculty member as an investigator. In most cases, the EMRC will require a DEM faculty member to be an investigator.

The mission of the EMRC is to assess the scientific merit of the research projects and the feasibility of implementing the study in the ED, and support researchers to improve proposed studies. The EMRC also ensures that the studies do not pose an excessive subject burden, conflict with existing studies, interfere with patient care, impede departmental operations, or place patients, visitors, or staff at risk.  The EMRC approval process is not meant to be a barrier to research. The committee meets twice a month, with more frequent meetings scheduled if needed.

Research Study Approval Process

Obtaining initial approval for a research study

Prior to submitting a study for IRB review, all investigators must complete the following steps:

  1. Contact the EMRC by phone (608) 263-6690 or email at demresearch@medicine.wisc.edu to schedule a time to present the protocol to the EMRC. The presentation should be made by the PI, UW Site PI, or a faculty member who can engage in a discussion regarding the study.
  2. Complete the Study Feasibility Survey and submit it to the EMRC in advance of the meeting (by the Thursday before the EMRC meeting at which the protocol will be presented), along with the IRB protocol and all supporting documents (especially surveys, if applicable). This information will be distributed to EMRC members. EMRC meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.
  3. Attend the meeting to briefly present the protocol and engage in a discussion regarding the study. This presentation should include:
    • The purpose
    • The timeline
    • The research methods including the study population, eligibility criteria, and recruitment
      objectives (N= __)
    • ED resources needed
    • Impact on ED operations
    • Funding for research activities
    • Funding for IRB review
  4. The EMRC will either approve the study or request changes. If approved, the signed feasibility letter will be provided to the study team. This letter must be submitted with the IRB application.

A well-structured protocol helps the EMRC efficiently review the study, the IRB efficiently review the study, and the research team ensure reliable and rigorous methods. The UW Health Sciences IRB has guidance for investigators, including a new Investigator Manual, and it is recommended that you review the numerous resources on their website.

Requesting re-approval for a research study

Prior to submitting the continuing review to the IRB review, all investigators must complete the steps below:

  1. Contact the EMRC (608) 263-6690 or demresearch@medicine.wisc.edu to request re-approval.
  2. Submit the EMRC re-approval form with supporting information

Recruiting & Enrolling Patients

The ED Research Coordinator (EDRC) Program is a resource for any researchers who wish to efficiently and effectively recruit subjects in the emergency department. Researchers from outside the Department of Emergency Medicine may request the use of study coordination services, including the collection of behavioral and survey data as well as biological samples.

For more information contact Phoebe Natzke, MS, at pnatzke@medicine.wisc.edu or Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, PhD, RN, at algilmore@medicine.wisc.edu.

Explore our services

Have questions?
Contact a Research team member:

Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, PhD, RN
Associate Vice Chair of Research
algilmore@medicine.wisc.edu

Phoebe Natzke, MS
Research Services Manager
pnatzke@medicine.wisc.edu

Jessie Libber
Research Program Administrator
jslibber@medicine.wisc.edu