A clinical study is a research investigation involving human volunteers (participants) to add to or gain new medical knowledge. There are a number of different types of cynical studies, but the two main types are clinical trials and observational studies.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research investigations involving human volunteers in order to test the effectiveness of new or existing treatments (or interventions) on a range of illnesses, disorders or conditions. In clinical trials, participants receive specific directions on the dosage, consumption or frequency of their treatment based on the trial’s focus and research plan.
Clinical trials might compare new treatments or approaches with current medication or with a placebo (a substance or drug designed to look like normal medication, but has no therapeutic value), whereas others might just compare current medications or look at the effects of mixing current medications. Clinical trial participants will have certain relevant levels or outcomes measured in order to measure:
- Side effects
- The difference in, or overall, effectiveness compared to current interventions
- Responses to intervention
- Effect of other factors (e.g. dietary changes)
There are a number of phases clinical trials have to move through in order to be reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. These phases are designed by the FDA. Clinical trials are often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, academic medical centers, or other organisations, and are led by a principal doctor that leads the investigation. Clinical trials can often involve other nurses, medical staff and doctors to facilitate.
Clinical trials are run in a number of locations including hospitals, clinics, universities and more. Each trial vaires in length of time, and amount of commitment.
Interventions in clinical trials can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Experimental drugs
- Vaccines
- Medical devices
- Surgical procedures
- Behavioral therapies
- Preventative care
- Education
Observational studies
Observational studies are similar to clinical trials and involve human participants who may receive interventions, though, in observational studies these interventions are a part of their normal routine, and participants aren’t assigned specific interventions. This is in order to study the effects or certain habits, lifestyles or diets for example on certain medical conditions.
Why Join a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials are an essential part of discovering the prevention, treatment or cure for diseases and disabilities. They are the final step after animal trials to show researchers and medical specialists what does and doesn’t work in humans. Major advancements in helping people live longer, with less pain or free of disability were only possible because people joined clinical trials.
Clinical trials aren’t just for those who are sick. Many clinical trials require control, or normal, groups to compare to. Volunteering for clinical trials even when you’re not sick can provide valuable insight and data for the research of a range of conditions. Although this type of volunteering is incredibly valuable to sick patients, and the medical community as a whole, if you’re thinking about enrolling in a study you should make sure you understand the potential risks, benefits and time investment from the study.
One of the biggest struggles for clinical trials is patient recruitment and most trials are extended, paused or slowed due to the lack of patients or volunteers. If more people involve themselves in clinical trials, potentially life-changing interventions can become universally available faster to those in need. Clinical trials aren’t only about medications, or treatments either. They can contribute to education around diseases and improve patient care practices as well.
Joining a clinical trial for a specific condition not only provides greater understanding about your condition for others adding to scientific knowledge for future advancements but can improve your own condition or health.
How to Join a Clinical Trial?
If you’re interested in joining a clinical trial, the first step is research. Websites like ClinicalTrials.Gov and CenterWatch are two good websites to start researching clinical trials, and exploring currently recruiting trials. Secondly, speak to your GP or medical practitioner about how you can join a clinical trial. Often, doctors have greater access to trusted information on active trials and they will be able to let you know what your options are.
Find out more information about patient protection and questions you should be asking here.
ClincialTrial Finder and Clinical Trials
We are one of the only online publications on common illnesses that give you an overview of the last 10-15 years of clinical trial findings so you can be better informed about your condition or the condition of your friends and loved ones.
When available, we will also show links to clinical trials near you.
