What is Clinical Research?
Wasatch Clinical Research is looking for volunteers to participate in our clinical research trials. These important trials make it possible to educate physicians and provide new treatments to the medical community and the patients they serve. Participants make a valuable contribution towards developing more effective treatments.
Because participating in a clinical research trial is a personal decision, it is very important to us that before you decide to participate you are comfortable with and aware of all aspects involved with being a research volunteer.
Understanding clinical research trials
- What is a clinical research trial?
- Why are clinical research trials important?
- Should I participate in a clinical research trial?
- What is an informed consent form?
- What questions should I ask before I decide to participate in a clinical research trial?
What is a clinical research trial?
A clinical research trial is a study that involves people to answer a specific health question. The study is conducted according to a specific plan called a protocol. The protocol outlines the type of patients that may participate in the study, the tests and procedures that will be conducted, drugs, dosages, and the length of the study. Other outcomes may also be measured.
Why are clinical research trials important?
Clinical research trials are important to see if a new drug is safe and effective for people to use. Trials provide the means to develop new treatments and determine if the drug will be more effective, easier to use, and/or have fewer side effects. These trials must take place before new research treatments can be made available to the public.
Should I participate in a clinical research trial?
People participate in clinical research trials for a variety of reasons. Participants make a valuable contribution towards developing more effective treatments, they gain access to the latest treatments available from leading pharmaceutical companies, and they gain a greater understanding of their medical condition.
Before participating in a clinical research trial it is important to understand both the benefits and risks associated with participating.
Potential Benefits:
- You are actively involved in your own health care.
- You gain access to potential new research treatment options before they are widely available.
- You obtain high-quality medical care from physicians during the course of the study.
- You help others by contributing to the advancement of medical research.
- You may be compensated for your participation.
Possible Risks:
- The new treatment may not be effective or help you.
- There may be side effects resulting from the treatment.
- The clinical research trial may require more time and attention than the standard care of treatment, including study site visits, tests/treatments, more complex medication schedules, and recording of information.
What is an informed consent form?
The informed consent form provides potential study participants with information they need about the study and treatment before they decide whether or not to participate. This form includes an explanation of what is involved in the study, an idea of how long the study will last, what procedures will be performed, and a description of the potential benefits and possible risks associated with the study treatment. Throughout the clinical research trial, participants will be provided with any new information that may affect their decision to continue with their participation in the study.
Participation in a clinical research trial is completely voluntary. Participants have the right to refuse participation or to withdraw their consent at any time during the clinical research trial without penalty.
What questions should I ask before I decide to participate in a clinical research trial?
- What is the purpose of the clinical research trial?
- What are the potential benefits and possible risks that may occur if I participate?
- How long is the clinical research trial and when will I be expected to come in for visits?
- What tests and procedures are required during in the clinical research trial?
- Will there be any cost to me?
- What alternatives are available?
- Who should I contact if I have questions about the study?
For more information on the opportunities available to participate in a clinical research trial, please contact us today.