Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the community have a clinical trials service?
We understand the importance of research and how participation in clinical trials can help find better ways to manage and find cures for diseases and conditions. Without clinical trials, none of the prescription medications and treatments available to us would be possible.
We also know that participating in clinical trials will allow you to:
- Play an active role in your 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 trial.
- Help others by contributing to medical research.
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. The factors that allow you to participate are based on such factors as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, as well as other medical conditions. Before joining a clinical trial, you must qualify for the study. Some research studies seek participants with illnesses or conditions to be studied in the clinical trial, while others need healthy participants. It is important to note that the criteria is not used to reject you personally. Instead, the criteria is used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe.
What happens during a clinical trial?
The clinical trial process depends on the kind of trial being conducted. The clinical trial team includes doctors and nurses, as well as social workers and other health care professionals. They will check your personal health at the beginning of the trial, give specific instructions for participating in the trial, monitor you carefully during the trial, and stay in touch after the trial is completed.
How is my safety and privacy protected?
The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical trials. In addition, most clinical research is federally regulated with built in safeguards to protect your safety and privacy. As a clinical trial progresses, researchers report the results of the trial at scientific meetings, to medical journals, and to various government agencies. Your name will remain secret and will not be mentioned in these reports.
Will I continue to work with my primary health care provider while in a trial?
Yes. Most clinical trials provide short-term treatments related to a designated illness or condition, but do not provide extended or complete primary health care. In addition, by having your health care provider work with the research team, you can ensure that other medications or treatments will not conflict with the protocol of the trial.
Can I leave a clinical trial after it has begun?
Yes. You can leave a clinical trial, at any time. When withdrawing from the trial, you should let the research team know about it, and the reasons for leaving the study.
When will I be contacted about a clinical trial?
Based on the criteria that you submit on the website, we will contact you via email as clinical trials become available. In the near future, we will be adding features that will allow you to browse clinical trials on the site.
