Covenant HealthCare is committed to its role in clinical research. We recognize our evolving role in helping our communities to improve their health. We support research that explores meeting the changing needs of our environment, while maintaining our fiscal responsibility. We strive to strengthen our relationship with physicians and health care professionals interested in research, as well as the health care community.
For all potential researchers interested in conducting a study at Covenant, prior to beginning your research you need to complete an application and submit it for review to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). A copy of the application pertinent to your type of study can be obtained in the following ways:
To receive an application by mail, call 989.583.6098.
To receive an application by e-mail, contact the IRB Specialist at pheitzig@chs-mi.com.
Download an application from the website.
The IRB meets monthly to review and approve studies that will be conducted within the Covenant community. The monthly meeting schedule and agenda item submission dates are available through the IRB Specialist at the telephone number or email address listed above.
The IRB Continuing Review Committee (a sub-committee of the IRB) reviews ongoing studies, protocol amendments, informed consent revisions, and performs review of those research studies that meet criteria to be expedited. This committee meets monthly and reports their recommendations to the full IRB membership for approval.
Cardiovascular Research
Covenant participates in a number of inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular research studies in cooperation with area cardiologists. For more information, contact Wynona Packard, RN, BSN, Cardiovascular Research Nurse at 989.583.6372 or by e-mail at wpackard@chs-mi.com.
Nurse Researchers
If you are planning to conduct research that impacts nursing clinical practice and patient care, contact us before you set an appointment with the IRB Committee. We will send you the following:
A one page Nursing Research Committee Application
The IRB application pertinent to your study.
Contact Susan Garpiel, RN, C, MN, Chair of the Patient Services/Nursing Research Committee at 989.583.4495, Pager 989.258.0513 or you can e-mail your request to sgarpiel@chs-mi.com.
In addition, we will appoint a contact person than can serve as a resource to the primary investigator. The primary purpose of the Nursing Research Committee is to increase nursing/allied health research and the integration of research findings into professional practice. The committee meets monthly to review research proposals.
