Dear Westmead Patient,

Our endoscopy unit is strongly engaged in high quality research in order to improve outcomes for our patients and the broader community. Below we have listed some studies that may be applicable to you when you come for the removal of your large polyp.

• No studies require any additional commitment to attend our treatment centre for further procedures; they are in line with usual care.

• Participation is completely voluntary

We have different groups of studies:

• Studies where we collect information about your procedure. There is no difference to normal treatment and all information collected is de-identified (your personal details are removed from the data). This information is very useful for us to help treat you and others who may have similar conditions.

• Studies looking at different forms of traditional treatment. These studies alter a part of your procedure at no increased risk and may involve you being assigned at random to the traditional or a new treatment. As technology develops we need to adapt our treatment to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

• Stool and serum tests. We are studying markers in the stool and blood which could detect polyps at an early stage and predict the type of polyp. This could eventually help diagnose people earlier and with a less invasive test.

Below are some links to Patient Information and Consent Form leaflets for studies that you could participate in and on the day of your procedure (after more closely reviewing your file) we may also talk to you about some other studies that are applicable.

We encourage you to read through these and note down any questions you may have.

Or if you have any questions prior to this, please don’t hesitate to call (02) 8890 9779 to speak to my research nurse, Kathleen (please leave a message if she is not able to take your call).

Yours sincerely,
Professor Michael Bourke