Clinical research studies help scientists and doctors explore whether a medical strategy, device, or medication is safe and effective for people. Before any medication can be approved and made available to the public, it must go through several phases of clinical research.
People participate in clinical research studies for different reasons. Some may participate because they want to learn more about their disease. Others volunteer to participate because they want to help researchers learn more about a disease to potentially help them and others in the future.
Clinical research studies follow a specific set of standards and are closely regulated to help keep all participants safe.
You can ask questions of the study team at any time before, during, and after the study. Before agreeing to participate, make sure that you understand the responsibilities of study participants. If you have any concerns about participating in the study, you should feel comfortable discussing them with a member of the study team at any time.
Study participation is completely voluntary. You do not need to take part in the study, and you can end your participation at any time, for any reason. If you think you would like to stop participating in the study, talk to the study doctor. If you decide you should leave the study early, the study doctor may ask that you return to the study center for a final visit to ensure your health and safety, but there will be no negative impact on future care you receive.
You can visit any doctor to meet your health needs during the study. You should let your study doctor know that you will be seeing another doctor and if any other medication has been prescribed. You should also let your other doctors know that you are participating in a clinical research study.
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