You can be curious about a clinical trial without deciding to join it. Start by understanding the study and asking how participation would fit with your current care and everyday life.
Research involves questions that are still being studied
Clinical trials involve volunteers and are designed to answer research questions. Depending on the study, researchers may evaluate a medicine, procedure or another approach. An investigational treatment is not a promise of better care or a guaranteed benefit.
Each study has its own eligibility criteria, procedures and schedule. A study listing or an initial inquiry does not establish that you are eligible. The study team explains the next steps.
You should have time to understand the choice
Before agreeing to participate, you go through an informed consent process. Ask about possible risks, possible benefits, alternatives and what happens during the study. Participation is voluntary, and you can choose to leave.
Talk with your usual clinician as well as the research team. Ask who would oversee different parts of your care and how the teams would communicate.
Ask about the ordinary details too
The practical questions are part of making an informed decision. Our trial question builder helps you choose prompts to bring to a conversation.
- How many visits, tests and follow-up contacts are involved?
- Could I receive a placebo or a different study intervention?
- What costs might I have, and is travel support available?
- How could this affect my current treatment?
- Who do I contact with concerns or if I want to stop?
Where to explore opportunities
ClinicalTrials.gov provides a broad place to look for studies. Confirm current availability with the listed research team. For readers considering Miami or Puerto Rico, the Wellness Clinical Research participant guide is another resource for understanding how participation works. Both links are included below.
Wellness Clinical Research is one of the resources featured here. Exploring its information does not commit you to a study or send your health information to its team.