Participating in Research
Follow these links for answers to common questions:
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a kind of research study. Clinical trials are run in order to answer important questions and to improve people’s health. Clinical trials often test a new treatment for a health problem. One example would be a research study to test a new drug being used to treat urinary leakage. Sometimes research compares two different treatments to see if one is better than the other. Research can also be done to learn which tests can be used to diagnose a condition, or how best to manage health problems.
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Why are clinical trials important?
Clinical trials help doctors learn what are the best tests and treatments. Without these trials, doctors may not know the best way to diagnose or treat a health problem. When there are many options, doctors may not know which treatment works the best, lasts the longest, or has the least side effects. For example, women who have bladder control problems may be offered medication, physical therapy, or even surgery. A clinical trial could compare medication to physical therapy, and the results of the trial helps doctors and patients in the future to make the best choice about which treatment to pick.
Before starting a clinical trial, researchers get approval from committees (such as Institutional Review Boards, or IRBs) at their medical centers. If you are thinking about being in a clinical trial, the researchers will give you more information in writing. For most types of research, you need to give your permission in writing before you can be part of a clinical trial. It is up to you to decide whether to join a clinical trial. The researchers will answer any questions that you have about being in a clinical trial before you sign up.
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Where can I go for more information?
There are other websites that explain clinical trials in detail. If you would like more information, please visit any of these websites:
The Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov/oashi/clinicaltrials/default.htm
The American College of Rheumatology
www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/clinical_new.asp?aud=pat
The Association of Clinical Research Professionals
www.acrpnet.org/resources/trial/
The University of Iowa
www.research.uiowa.edu/cto/public/faq.html
The Society for Women’s Health Research
www.womancando.org/learn/questions.htm
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