A clinical trial is a research study that involves human volunteers and is used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments, devices, and diagnostic tools.
The trials are designed to determine whether the new treatment is more effective than the standard treatment, or if it has fewer side effects.
Clinical trials are conducted in several phases, each with a specific purpose, and are regulated by government agencies to ensure the safety of participants.
The ultimate goal of a clinical trial is to gain the necessary information to approve a new treatment for use in the general population.
All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria.
The factors that allow someone to participate in a clinical trial are called "inclusion criteria" and those that disallow someone from participating are called "exclusion criteria".
These criteria are based on such factors as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions.
Before joining a clinical trial, a participant 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.
There are several reasons why someone might choose to participate in a clinical trial:
- Access to new treatments: Participants may have the opportunity to receive new treatments that are not yet widely available.
- Helping others: By participating in a clinical trial, individuals can help advance medical knowledge and potentially improve the lives of others.
- Personal health benefits: Participants may receive close monitoring and medical attention, which may help them manage their condition better.
- Cost reduction: Some clinical trials may cover the cost of treatment and related expenses, such as transportation and lodging.
- Sense of community: Participating in a clinical trial can connect individuals with others who have similar health conditions.
Clinical trials that are well-designed and well-executed are the best approach for eligible participants to:
- Play an active role in their 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.