Clinical studies are fundamental to medical progress, providing critical information about the efficacy and safety of new treatments, drugs, and medical devices. Here’s a deep dive into the most frequently asked questions about clinical studies.
What is a clinical study?
A clinical study, also known as a clinical trial or research study, is a scientifically controlled test of a new treatment method. This includes new medications, vaccines, medical devices, or lifestyle changes in human participants.
Who conducts clinical studies?
Clinical studies are conducted by research teams which may include doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. They’re often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, academic medical centers, and federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health.
Why participate in a clinical study?
Participants can access new treatments before they are widely available and contribute to medical research that may benefit countless individuals. Often, they also receive heightened medical care and oversight due to the study’s protocols.
How are clinical studies regulated?
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with institutional review boards (IRBs), oversee clinical studies to ensure they are ethical and that participants’ rights are protected.
What are the phases of clinical studies?
There are typically four phases in clinical trials:
- Phase 1: Tests a new drug or treatment in a small group for the first time to evaluate its safety, dosage range, and side effects.
- Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
- Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
- Phase 4: Post-marketing studies delineate additional information including the drug’s risks, benefits, and optimal use.
What should one consider before participating in a clinical study?
Potential participants should understand the study’s purpose, risks, potential benefits, alternatives to the treatment, and what their participation entails, including duration and activities.
What happens during a clinical study?
Participants follow a study protocol, which might include taking a study drug, undergoing medical procedures, keeping a log of their health, or altering their behavior. Their health is closely monitored by the research team.
What are the risks of participating in a clinical study?
Risks vary from one study to another and might include side effects from the treatment, extensive time commitments, and the possibility of not receiving the active treatment (if a placebo is used).
Are participants protected?
Yes. Ethical guidelines are in place, and every clinical study in the U.S. must be approved and monitored by an IRB to make sure the risks are as low as possible and are worth any potential benefits.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is a process that provides potential participants with all necessary information about the study, ensuring that they understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before deciding to participate.
Can participants leave a clinical study after it has begun?
Yes. Participants can leave a clinical study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which they are otherwise entitled.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is an inactive pill, liquid, or powder that has no treatment value. In clinical studies, experimental treatments are often compared with placebos to assess the treatment’s effectiveness.
What is a control or control group?
A control is the standard by which experimental observations are evaluated. In many clinical trials, one group of patients will be given an experimental drug or treatment, while the control group is given either a standard treatment for the illness or a placebo.
How is participant safety during the study ensured?
Safety is ensured through careful study design, IRB oversight, data and safety monitoring, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
How are the results of clinical studies used?
Results from clinical studies can lead to advances in medical knowledge and to improvements in patient care. If a new treatment is proven effective and is safer than current treatments, it may become a new standard of care.
What happens at the end of a clinical study?
At the end of the study, the researchers must submit their data for publication so that others can review and learn from the results. Participants are usually informed about the overall results as well.
How can I find out about clinical studies?
One can find out about clinical studies by talking with a healthcare provider or by searching online databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov, which provides information about federally and privately supported clinical research.
Clinical studies are an invaluable part of advancing medical knowledge and treatments. Those considering participation in a clinical trial should weigh the potential risks and benefits, understand the commitment involved, and consult with their healthcare provider. With informed participants, researchers can continue to make strides in health care, offering hope for many diseases and conditions.
