Gut Research Project
Contribute to Crohn's and ulcerative colitis research and get first access to future studies
Fully online, at-home research opportunity to help improve the understanding of gut health, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis.
While IBDhelp_outline Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. is a complex condition that affects everyone differently, it’s often unpredictable, painful, and impacts many aspects of your life — for your whole life. As a Crohn’s patient, I understand the challenges of living with an ‘invisible illness.’ And I know we need better solutions. I’m excited to contribute toward Project Baseline’s mission to advance the scientific understanding of gut health.”
Why is gut research important?
Three million American adults suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis1. While evidence shows that the gut is critical to overall health, more research is needed.
Here’s what we do know. IBD is:
- Widespread: Men and women are generally equally affected
- Chronic: 90% of patients have at least one relapse within 25 years of diagnosis
- Expensive: Annual direct cost to patients is estimated at $8,265-$18,963 for Crohn’s disease and $5,066-$15,020 for ulcerative colitis2
The Gut Research Project is focused on enabling researchers to learn about gut health. By taking surveys and sharing health information, you can help.
1. “Inflammatory bowel disease,” Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2. “The Facts About Inflammatory Bowel Diseases,” Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
Who's eligible
- Age 18 years or older
- Able to speak and read English or Spanish
- Diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- US resident
- Willing to sign informed consent and join Project Baseline Registry
What's involved
Help researchers better understand your gut health by:
Taking surveys
You'll share some insights about your health and habits.
First access to relevant studies
Get future access to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis opportunities.
Sharing your health records
We may ask you to share your EHR (electronic health records) to provide a more holistic view of your health history.
What you'll receive
It feels good to do good, plus you'll receive:
Compensation
You may also receive a free Picnic Health account to view all of your health records in one place.
Exclusive access to the gut health community and study opportunities
Gut Research Project
Study FAQs
It is an area of focus for Project Baseline that is specific to individuals with IBD, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It is an effort to collect more comprehensive health records and survey data to develop a deeper understanding of these conditions.
We estimate that completing study activities for the Gut Research Project will take no longer than 10 minutes. They can be completed in one sitting, at home.
In the future, there may be additional opportunities to contribute toward gut research as part of Project Baseline. Future studies may have additional requirements.
Project Baseline is an effort to map human health. Gut health is a key component of overall health and therefore an important area of focus for the initiative.
If you are eligible for this project, we ask that you share your electronic health records (EHR) with us as well as answer up to 3 surveys. Upon doing so, you will be compensated $50.
No. We will not share any information with your insurance or medical providers without your consent. You and your doctor will continue to make decisions about your care.
We are committed to maintaining high privacy standards and keeping your data safe. Project Baseline follows federal and state regulations governing the collection and use of an individual's data, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Data is stored in advanced systems with best-in-class security and privacy protocols.
As part of the Gut Research Project, you will share electronic health records (EHR) with researchers. Because health records are often fragmented across different healthcare providers, these records will be gathered for you by PicnicHealth.
PicnicHealth is a record-retrieval service that will reach out to your doctors and consolidate your information. You will have full access to these records to share with your current healthcare provider.
PicnicHealth is a record-retrieval service that will reach out to your doctors and consolidate your lifetime medical information. You will receive a free PicnicHealth account and have full access to these digital records to share with your current healthcare provider.
