Clinical Research
Advancing Hyperbaric Medicine Through Clinical Research
Research is central to Summit Hyperbarics & Wellness' mission. Every study we conduct is designed to improve participant care, expand scientific knowledge, and advance evidence-based hyperbaric medicine.
By integrating clinical research with specialized patient care, we continually evaluate treatment outcomes, explore new areas of discovery, and improve the care we provide. Whether studying clinical outcomes, biomarkers, or new applications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), our goal remains the same: improve the health and quality of life of Summit's charitable populations while contributing meaningful evidence to the broader medical community.
Why We Conduct Research
Research is one of the ways we fulfill our mission.
Through clinical research, Summit strives to:
- Improve participant care through continuous evaluation of outcomes.
- Expand scientific knowledge about HBOT.
- Better understand which individuals may benefit from treatment.
- Generate objective evidence to inform future clinical decision-making.
- Advance the future of evidence-based hyperbaric medicine.
Every research initiative is designed with a single purpose: improving participant care today while helping shape the healthcare of tomorrow.
Research Portfolio
Active and Developing Clinical Studies
Summit's Research Portfolio includes active and developing clinical studies focused on advancing evidence-based hyperbaric medicine.
Each study explores important clinical questions while expanding our understanding of HBOT, participant outcomes, and the conditions affecting the populations we serve. Although every study has its own objectives and eligibility criteria, all are conducted with the same commitment to scientific integrity, participant safety, and meaningful clinical outcomes.
Research Focus Areas
Current areas of investigation include:
- HBOT
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms (PPCS)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Neurocognitive Function
- Biomarkers of Inflammation and Neurologic Injury
- Quality of Life
- Functional Recovery
- Clinical Outcomes Research
As our research program grows, additional areas of investigation may be added.
Scientific Integrity & Participant Safety
Ethical, Regulatory, and Clinical Safeguards
Participant safety is the foundation of every study conducted at Summit. Research is performed in accordance with applicable ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards.
- Ethical Oversight: Depending on the study, protocols may include Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight and federal regulatory oversight.
- Informed Consent: Potential participants receive clear study information, including risks, benefits, and alternatives, before any research procedures begin.
- Ongoing Safety Monitoring: Clinical and operational safeguards are used throughout participation to identify and address safety concerns promptly.
- Voluntary Participation: Participation is always voluntary, and choosing not to participate in research will never affect access to clinical care at Summit.
Research Leadership
Experienced Professionals Guiding the Program
Summit's research program is led by experienced healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing evidence-based hyperbaric medicine.
Working collaboratively, our research team conducts studies with scientific rigor while maintaining high standards of participant care, ethics, and data quality. As our program grows, additional investigators and collaborating professionals will join our research team.
Publications & Scientific Presentations
Sharing Findings with the Broader Scientific Community
Summit is committed to sharing research findings with the broader medical and scientific community. As studies are completed, this section will include:
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Conference presentations
- Research posters
- Community reports
- Educational resources
By sharing our findings, we hope to improve participant care well beyond our own organization.
Interested in Research?
How Participation Works at Summit
Most research opportunities at Summit are available to individuals receiving care through Summit Hyperbarics & Wellness. If you are interested in participating in a research study, begin by following Summit's standard process for accessing services.
Individuals first connect with Operation Resilient Path (ORP), the participant navigation program for the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse campus. If you meet the charitable program criteria for one of Summit's charitable programs, ORP will connect you with Summit to begin the clinical evaluation process.
Following your evaluation, you may be invited to participate in one or more research studies if you meet the study's eligibility criteria. Participation in research is always voluntary and is never required to receive clinical care.
If a future study has eligibility requirements that differ from Summit's standard participant pathway, those requirements will be described on the individual study page.