Clinical Research FAQ

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a carefully controlled research study involving human volunteers to assess the safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects of new medical interventions like drugs, treatments, or devices. The goal of these trials is to collect vital information that can lead to the development of new therapies or improve current ones. Clinical trials follow a structured process, typically divided into several phases:

Phase I: This initial phase tests a new drug or treatment on a small group of participants (20-100) to evaluate its safety, determine appropriate dosage levels, and identify any side effects.

Phase II: Conducted with a larger group (100-300 participants), this phase assesses how well the treatment works and continues to monitor its safety.

Phase III: Involving a much larger population (1,000-3,000 participants), this phase confirms the treatment’s effectiveness, compares it to existing standard therapies, monitors side effects, and collects additional safety data.

Phase IV: These studies take place after the treatment is approved and available on the market, aiming to gather further information on long-term effectiveness and safety in a broad population.

Clinical trials are performed under strict scientific and ethical standards to ensure the protection of participants’ health and rights. The data generated through these studies are essential for gaining regulatory approval and advancing medical treatments.

Volunteer

Frequently asked questions

General

Why Participate in a Research Study? Joining a research study is a meaningful way to help advance medical knowledge and may also provide access to new treatments. Here’s what to expect if you choose to take part:

What the Process Looks Like:

Guidance by Healthcare Experts Clinical studies are overseen by a dedicated team of qualified doctors, nurses, researchers, and healthcare professionals committed to your safety and the integrity of the study.

Initial Consultation If you’re interested, you’ll meet with a study team member who will explain the study’s purpose, procedures, potential benefits, and risks. This is your chance to ask questions and get all the information you need.

Informed Consent Before participating, you’ll review and sign an informed consent form that details the study schedule, procedures, benefits, and possible risks. It’s important to fully understand this information—feel free to discuss any concerns with the study staff. You only join when you’re ready and comfortable.

Screening and Eligibility After consenting, the team will evaluate your health to determine if you qualify for the study. This might include reviewing your medical history, a physical exam, and lab tests like blood work.

Enrollment and Participation If eligible, you’ll officially join the study. You may be placed in a group receiving the treatment or a placebo (an inactive substance). You’ll attend regular visits for monitoring and assessments, with your health carefully tracked throughout the study.

Completing the Study Following the study schedule and attending all visits helps ensure reliable results and the safety of all participants.

By participating, you contribute to important medical discoveries that could improve treatments and lives in the future. The study team is here to support you at every step of the journey.

Benefits of Participating in a Clinical Trial

Access to Innovative Treatments: Participants may have the opportunity to receive new therapies that are not yet available to the public, potentially benefiting from the latest advances in medical care.
Comprehensive Medical Oversight: Clinical trials provide close monitoring and care by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, throughout the duration of the study.
Advancing Medical Science: By joining a clinical trial, you contribute to important research that helps develop new treatments, potentially improving care for others with similar conditions in the future.
Empowered Healthcare Participation: Participants often gain a deeper understanding of their condition and the newest medical developments, playing an active role in their own health care journey.
Possible Health Improvements: Some individuals may experience positive effects from the treatment being studied, which could enhance their quality of life or health status.
Financial Compensation: Many clinical trials offer reimbursement for time and travel expenses, providing added support for participants.
Ongoing Follow-Up Care: Participants typically receive detailed follow-up and health monitoring, allowing early detection and management of any emerging health concerns.

Participating in a clinical trial at American Family Research Group means receiving care from a team of experienced medical professionals across multiple specialties. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff work together with a shared commitment to advancing medical research and developing new pharmaceutical treatments. All research is conducted in strict compliance with regulations established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all study participants.