Center for Primary Care & Prevention
Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
111Brewster Street, Pawtucket
Rhode Island, 02860
(401) 729-2894
Lee-Anne_Blakey@mhri.org

Ongoing Research Studies
Information for Clinicians
Family Care Center and Internal Medicine Center
Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island

The Executive Research Steering Committee for the FCC and IMC at MHRI would like you (providers) to be aware of ongoing research studies in our clinics and to have enough information about these studies to determine whether or not to recommend as an option for your patients, who may benefit from involvement in innovative research programs. Below is a quick list of ongoing research and links to more information below. Click on the links in the lower list for patient information in the form of printable flyers. Contact information is also provided for patients. All listed studies have been approved by the MHRI Institutional Review Board and are in compliance with HIPAA.

Women's Health

Rose Program/ Intervention for Poor Pregnant Women with Partner Abuse Call: (800) 494-8100 Brief Description: This study provides 5 counseling sessions for pregnant women with recent partner abuse to help reduce postpartum depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as increasing a woman’s ability to effectively use resources. What does this study offer my patient?: Women have a 50% chance of receiving 4 sessions during pregnancy and one session within two weeks after delivery. All women will receive psychoeducational material on domestic violence and related resources. Who is eligible and who is not?: Women who are eligible include women up to 35 weeks gestation, have experienced partner abuse within the last year (i.e., threatened or actual physical/sexual assault or emotional abuse by an intimate partner/spouse or previous partner), and do not have a current affective disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, nor substance abuse. Back to top

Map III/EXCEL Call: (800) 877-3347 Brief Description: This study offers 7 weeks of medication and yearly mammograms and blood tests for women older than 35 years of age who are at risk of developing breast cancer. What does this study offer my patient?:  Who is eligible and who is not?: Back to top

Postpartum Depression Call: (401) 455-6303 Brief Description: This is a small randomized trial funded by the National Institute of Mental Health which is designed to evaluate a family-based treatment for postpartum depression. What does this study offer my patient?: Participants receive 10-12 sessions of family therapy, either immediately or following a 16-week waiting period. This treatrment is free of charge. Participants are compensated $75 for completing their follow-up assessment.  Who is eligible and who is not?: Depressed postpartum women 18 or older who meet SCID diagnostic criteria for MDD; are English speaking; no presence of significant suicide risk or current psychotic symptoms.Back to top

Men's Health

Effect of Testosterone therapy on flow mediated vasodilation (FMD), peripheral arterial tone (PAT) & erectile dysfunction in men with hypogonadism Call: (800) 877-3347 Brief Description: This is an 4 month study of efficiacy of testosterone gel (Testim 1%) vs placebo gel as treatment for hypogonadal men with erectile dysfunction and its effect on Flow Mediated Vasodilaton (FMD) and Peripheral Arterial Tone (PAT) as measures of endothelial dysfunction. Involves 7 visits with blood tests at baseline and visit 7. Endothelial function testing at VAMC during visit 3 and 6. What does this study offer my patient?: Free testosterone and PSA screening, endothelial function testing and 4: 1 chance of receiving testosterone gel therapy, and $200. Who is eligible and who is not?: Men ages 35 to 70 with symptoms of low testosterone and low testosterone levels ( < 300 ng/dL), and with erectile dysfunction. Contraindications include prostate cancer, elevated PSA (> 4.0), sleep apnea, unstable coronary syndrome or class 2 congestive heart failure. Back to top

Smoking Cessation

Brain Activity and Cigarette Smoking in Siblings Call: (401) 455-6638 Brief Description: This study uses fMRI technology to compare brain activity of past or current smokers to brain activity from the smoker's brother or sister. What does this study offer my patient?:  Participation lasts about 4 hours and participants are compensated up to $120. Who is eligible and who is not?: Pairs of adult brothers or pairs of adult sisters who have smoked cigarettes at some time. Back to top

Parents of Asthmatics Quit Smoking Call: 1-866-401-PAQS (7277) Brief Description: This is a program that may help children with asthma to breathe better or improve the overall well-being of healthy children as well as improve the caregiver’s long-term health. What does this study offer my patient?: Child health education (asthma education or child wellness) during 2 to 3 sessions conducted in the patient's home by a visiting nurse or health educator, and they will be financially compensated for their time. Who is eligible and who is not?:Smokers who spend a significant amount of time taking care of a childwith asthma or a healthy child. Back to top

Mental Health

Open Trial of Learning to Ease Anxiety in Primary Care (LEAP) Call: (800) 444-1945 Brief Description: This free program provides one individual session and then 6 group sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. What does this study offer my patient?: Participants receive one individual session and then 6 group sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorder. The psychotherapy sessions will occur in the FCC and PCPs will receive feedback regarding the treatment. No cost to patient. Patient will be compensated for assessment. Who is eligible and who is not?: Adults, age 18 or over, suffering from an anxiety disorder. No psychotic symptoms, severe depression, or severe alcohol or drug use. Back to top

Open Trial of the Family Check-Up for Depression Prevention Call: (800) 455-6377 Brief Description: This free program provides family meetings at the FCC. We talk with families about the psychological health of their family and help families identify how they would like to improve family life. What does this study offer my patient?: The Family Check-Up consists of two 2-hour sessions of family assessment, feedback, and goal-setting. It is intended to be motivational in nature. There is no cost to patient. Patients will be compensated for assessment. Transportation can be provided. Who is eligible and who is not?: People with a history of depression who have family members that a) they live with and b) are willing to participate. At least one family member must be African American or Latino. They cannot be currently involved in couples or family therapy. Back to top

Open Trial of Psychotherapy for (Persistently) Depressed Primary Care Patients Call: (800) 455-6381 Brief Description: This free program provides 8 sessions of behavioural therapy for depression. What does this study offer my patient?: Free psychiatric evaluation, and 8 sessions of behavioral therapy for depression. Counseling occurs in FCC. PCPs receive feedback regarding counseling. There is no cost to patients. Patients will be compensated for assessment. Who is eligible and who is not?: People with current major depression or major depression in past year; taking an SSRI prescribed by family doc for at least 12 weeks; still experiencing some depression symptoms; aged 18-70; no psychotic symptoms or severe alcohol or drug use; not currently in psychotherapy. Back to top

Community Adapted Motivational Interviewing (CAMI) to Reduce At-Risk Drinking Call: (800) 339-5416 Brief Description: This free program provides Latinos who have experience drinking alcoholic beverages with a 2 hour motivational interview and assessment to reduce at-risk drinking. Interview goals are to enhance the participant’s motivation towards pro-healthy behaviour. What does this study offer my patient?: The adapted motivational interview consists of one 2-hour session that includes assessment and a motivational interview with a trained counsellor. We will present information about the effects of drinking alcohol tailored to the participant’s responses. No cost to patient. Patients will be compensated for assessment and interview. Childcare and transportation also provided at time of interview. Who is eligible and who is not?: Latinos (18-65 years old) who have experience drinking alcoholic beverages, and who are able to understand English sufficiently well (basic level) to complete study procedures. Back to top