Before deciding to participate in a clinical research study, it’s important you understand the research study and clinical research in general. This way you can make an informed decision. Below are some common questions and answers about clinical research studies. Also, you may find it helpful to speak with your doctor before making a decision to participate.
A clinical research study is a research project done to find out if medications and treatments under development are both safe and effective. Each study is unique and conducted for different reasons. A clinical research study uses human volunteers. Participants are under strict supervision of a doctor and/or health professionals throughout the study. During the study, or trial, a patient may receive a study medication or placebo (not containing the active medication). As the trial goes on, more and more information is gathered about the treatment or device under investigation.