Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Clinical Study/Trial?

A clinical study/trial is a research study/trial to answer specific questions about new therapies or devices, or new ways of using known treatments.  Clinical studies/trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective.

 

Who can participate in a Clinical Study/Trial?

All clinical studies/trials have guidelines, called inclusion/exclusion criteria that determine who can participate in the program.  These guidelines are based on factors such as age, type of disease, medical history, and current medical conditions.  These criteria are used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe as well as to ensure that researchers will be able to answer the questions being asked.

 

Why participate in a Clinical Study/Trial?

Participants in clinical studies/trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others through their contribution to medical research.

 

Will I be paid for participating?

Some clinical studies/trials will pay you for time and travel while others will not.  This will be clearly outlined in the informed consent.  The office visits related to the clinical study as well as some diagnostic tests may also be provided.

 

What are the benefits and risks of participating in a Clinical Study/Trial?

 

Benefits:

Clinical studies/trials that are well-designed and well-executed are the best approach for eligible participants to:

•  Play an active role in their own health care.

•  Gain access to new research treatments before 

    they are widely available.

•  Obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities 

    during the study/trial.

•  Help others by contributing to medical research.

 

Risks:

There are risks to Clinical Studies/Trials:

•  There may be unpleasant, serious or even life-threatening 

    side effects to treatment.

•  The treatment may not be effective for the participant.

•  The protocol may require more of their time and attention 

    than would a non-protocol treatment, including trips to the 

    study site, more treatments, hospital stays or complex 

    dosage requirements.

 

What protections are there for participants in a Clinical Study/Trial?

The government has strict guidelines and safe guards to protect people who choose to participate in clinical studies/trials.  Every clinical study/trial in the United States must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to make sure risks are as low as possible and are worth any potential benefits.

 

How do I volunteer?

To volunteer for one of our studies or to find out further information please contact us.