Being part of a clinical study makes a difference in the lives of people.

Each clinical trial has its own unique requirements (called eligibility criteria) for who can participate. These can include age and sex, the type and/or stage of disease, the participant’s overall health and their personal treatment history.

Most clinical trials need people who have a specific disease or condition to participate, but some studies need volunteers without either.

 

The Parts of a Clinical Trial

  • Participant

    That’s you! The participant is the person taking part in the clinical trial. They can also be called the patient, volunteer, or study subject.

  • Sponsor

    Sponsors could be pharmaceutical companies, doctors, hospitals, or other groups that initiate the clinical trials you are a part of.

  • Site

    This is where the clinical trial happens and it can vary. Trials can take place at a clinic, hospital, doctor’s office, academic institution or even at your own home.

  • Principal Investigator

    The Principal Investigator is the doctor or researcher who is responsible for conducting the trial. They are assisted by a Study Coordinator during the clinical trial.

  • Ethics Review Boards

    Ethic Review Boards make sure the trial you are participating in is both ethical and fair.

The Process of a Clinical Trial

  • Clinical trials are research studies conducted to evaluate if a new medicine, therapy, or surgical intervention is safe and effective in people.

    Each trial is unique and can follow different processes and vary in length. Individual trial’s research teams will always make sure that whatever is being tested follows strict and safe guidelines.

  • There are two main types of trials or studies: interventional and observational.

    Interventional trials study a particular intervention or treatment, while observational studies aim to find out what happens to people in different situations.

  • Every clinical trial is different, so make sure you pick one that is of interest to you and one that allows you to feel comfortable asking the research team any questions you might have. Discussing a particular trial that interests you with your family, friends or doctor is also helpful.

  • As a participant in a clinical trial you are entitled to a study that adheres to all legal and ethical standards. Prior to participating you will be provided a clear and transparent overview of the process before agreeing to join the trial, as well as the option to withdraw from the trial at any point during its timeline.