Medical Information on the InternetKnow what clinical trials are and where to find information about clinical trials
Know who can participate in a clinical trial and what the risks and benefits are
A clinical trial is a research study conducted with animals or people designed to test a new treatment or procedure. A clinical trial is not designed to provide the newest treatment for people but to test a possible new treatment for its safety and/or effectiveness. Pharmaceutical companies, the government, and medical centers all conduct clinical trials following established protocols (plans) and with guidelines for the safety of the participants in the trials. The people who organize and run clinical trials are often seeking volunteers to participate.
Clinical trials are research studies conducted to answer specific questions, usually about the safety and effectiveness of a particular treatment. People who participate in clinical trials do so because they themselves might benefit from the treatment under study or to help others find answers to the research problems.
Clinical trials are not for providing treatment to participants. Clinical trials are about research to find the best treatment.
For clinical trials, the best place to find information is on the Internet.
