Clinical trials study whether or not new medicines, devices, or diagnostic techniques work and are safe for use. Patients choose to participate in clinical trials for a variety of reasons such as a desire to contribute to the greater good through science or access to cutting-edge treatments. By participating in clinical trials they are frequently seen by highly trained experts in their field. Compensation for time and effort is sometimes offered for trial participation. Clinical trials are carefully planned and meticulously reviewed by groups of health specialists called Institutional Review Boards. Patients participate exclusively as volunteers for studies and enroll only after a detailed informed consent process. Patient volunteers have the right to drop out of a trial at any time.
The video below describes clinical trials in the context of pulmonary fibrosis.
Educational Resources
The Non-Scientist’s Guide to Clinical Trials
“Behind almost every pill you take, lifestyle tip you follow, and treatment, surgical procedure, and screening test you undergo, are clinical trials involving humans just like you, aimed at answering a set of determinative questions. This primer explains everything involved.”