Guide to Clinical Trials

Every modern prescription medicine we have today was studied in hundreds and often thousands of people.

Your decision to join is personal. But being part of a clinical study can make a difference in the lives of other people.

Finding a Clinical Trial That’s Right For You

If you are considering joining, you’ll be connected with the team of medical professionals running the trial. They’re looking for participants who are a good fit for their specific study. So before you join, you’ll go through a screening and consent process. This is how the study doctor ensures he or she enrolls the participants that the study drug is being developed to treat. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask them questions and make sure you feel the study is the right fit for you.

Who can participate in a clinical trial?

Taking part in a research study is different from regular medical care. When in a study, you will primarily interact with the study team. The study team includes the study doctor, nurses, and others who work with the study doctor.

• You may have additional scheduled visits and procedures, extra laboratory tests, and/or follow a modified treatment plan.
• You can stop participating at any time—the decision to stop will not affect your regular medical care or any benefits to which you are entitled.
• Where permissible, reimbursement for study-related expenses—such as parking and travel—may be provided.
• To research a study drug for efficacy and safety, some participants are given the study drug and others are given standard of care or a placebo. Before you consent to join, you will be told how the study works.