DRUG STUDY OVERVIEW

WHAT IS CLINICAL RESEARCH? 

Clinical Research is the study of health and illness in both sick and healthy humans. The focus of Clinical Research is to improve knowledge of diseases, to develop diagnostic methods and new treatments or medical devices in order to provide better patient care. Research trials are carefully designed, reviewed, and completed. Additionally, they must be approved before they can begin. 
All Clinical Research must:
  • Have the goal of increasing medical knowledge
  • Be carried out by competent persons who take all necessary precautions in order to protect those who lend themselves to research
  • Obtain approvals regularly and take all needed legal and ethical steps 
  • Collect consent of the persons involved in the research​

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE? 

Clinical Trials have an incredibly crucial role in finding new medicines and treatments for diseases. People volunteer to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. The opportunity to play a role in the development of new treatments and devices or the prevention of certain medical conditions and diseases. Access to investigational treatments before they become available or the access to free diagnostic procedures or medical tests related to the trial as well compensation of time and travel that is related to it. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? 

  • Gaining access to potential new medications.
  • Receiving study related medical care for the condition being studied.
  • Helping others by contributing to medical research and treatment advances for those in the future.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS? 

  • There may be side effects from the study medication.
  • The study medication may not be effective.
  • Participation takes time.

WHAT IS A PLACEBO? 

In a clinical trial, you may be part of a placebo group. You will not know if you are getting the real medication or the placebo. A placebo is a pill, liquid, or powder that does not contain the study drug. Treatments are often compared with placebos to assess the treatment’s true effectiveness. If a participant is in the control group, they will receive a placebo instead of an active drug or treatment.

HOW LONG DO CLINICAL TRIALS LAST? 

Each clinical trial lasts a different amount of time, depending on the medicine and/or treatment being tested. You will be informed of the specific time requirement before you agree to enter a study. 

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL RESEARCH? 

There is no cost to patients that take part in our research studies. Depending on the study you may be provided with no-cost study related physical exams, study related medication, and laboratory testing or other diagnostic testing as indicated. Financial compensation may be provided for your time.