Clinical trials help researchers learn:
- Which treatments and interventions work, and which do not
- How safe a treatment is
- What side effects may occur
- How a specific treatment may affect people differently
Information gained from clinical trials can improve care for people now and in the future.
Why do people participate?
People choose to join clinical trials for many different reasons. Some may want to:
- Support research that could help future patients and families
- Help researchers better understand a disease or test a possible treatment
- Learn more about their own health condition
- May receive regular check-ins and monitoring from a research team
- Take a more active role in their health care
- Access a care option or research approach that may not otherwise be available
Making an informed decision
Joining a clinical trial is a personal choice. Before deciding, talk with the research team and your doctor or other trusted health care provider. Ask about the possible benefits, risks, side effects, time commitment, and other treatment options.
Take time to understand the information and decide what is best for you. You can choose not to participate, and you may leave a clinical trial at any time.