CLINICAL TRIAL
Should I volunteer?
Everyday, research uncovers new information about diseases and their treatments. By taking part in a clinical research study, you are an important link in a long chain of research and testing of new investigational medicine for future use.
What is a clinical study?
A clinical research study is also called a clinical trial. Each study tests the safety, effectiveness, and side effects of an investigational medicine(s) or an investigational device on a group of volunteers. Clinical research studies are an important step in making new investigational medications available for future use.
Who sponsors a clinical research study?
Private organizations and government agencies sponsor clinical research studies to find better ways to treat diseases. Drug companies also sponsor studies of their products and may work together with medical centers, the government, or doctor’s offices.
Who makes sure my rights are protected?
An ethics committee must review clinical research studies before they begin. In addition the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), a department of the US government, sets standards for drug testing. They also review the results from certain clinical research studies to decide if an investigational drug should be made available to the general public.
An ethics group that reviews a clinical research study is called an IRB (Institutional Review Board). The IRB is a group of doctors, nurses, and people from the community. The IRB’s job is to review all clinical research studies to help protect participant’s rights and safety.
Who conducts a clinical research study?
A research team conducts the clinical research study. The team is led by a doctor or other researcher, known ass the Principal Investigator. The team may also include nurses, social workers, dietitians, and others. This team may conduct the clinical research study in a hospital, university setting, local medical center, or doctor’s office.
Who can be in a clinical research study?
Each clinical research study has different requirements for participants such as age, sex or medical condition. It is important that different kinds of people are involved in the trial, men and women from different races. People respond differently to medicines and other treatments so it is important to include all kinds of people.
The research team will look at your medical history and study requirements to find out if you are eligible. The team will also tell you what it means to be involved in the study and what the risks and benefits are during the informed consent process.
What is an informed consent?
Informed consent is the process that takes place before you join the study. A doctor, nurse, or another qualified team member will explain why the study is being done, and what you can expect. You can ask any questions you have about the study.
You will be told about who will see your personal medical information, and how it will be kept confidential. You will also be given a consent form to read. You should ask questions about any part of the consent for that you do not understand. If you decide to take part in the study, you will be asked to sign the consent form. Even if you sign the consent form, you can still change your mind and stop at any time.
What can I expect as a study volunteer?
During the study, the team will review your medical history, give you instructions for participating, and monitor your health. Some clinical research studies may involve more tests and doctors visits that you would normally have for an illness or condition.
How can I become a study volunteer?
If you are interested, you can talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to see if a clinical research study is right for you.
To learn more about clinical trials and the Schuster Medical Research Institute email us at info@smrionline.com or call us at 1-877-77-TRIAL (87425).
