FAQ

What are the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial?

You may benefit because all clinical trial patients are given excellent medical care and may receive access to new experimental drugs, not yet available to the public that could prove beneficial in treating people. You could possibly be helping in the future with the development of safer and better drugs. Conversely, the new drug or may not be effective, or it may have undesirable side effects.

How do you find out about clinical trials?

More information can be found by contacting the Recruiting office at 913-410-2900.

What questions should I ask before agreeing to participate in a clinical trial?

You have the right to ask any questions before volunteering. Some questions may include:

• What is the purpose of the drug?
• What are the risks?
• What kind of procedures will be carried out, and how often will they be done?
• How long does the trial last?

What does informed consent mean?

An informed consent is a document that explains the details of the study, including the potential risks and benefits, as well as your rights and responsibilities. Participants must be provided all the facts about a trial before giving consent to participate. This includes treatment details and possible risks and benefits.

How are participants protected?

Every clinical trial in the U.S. must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to make sure the risks are as low as possible and are worth any potential benefits before testing can begin. As a volunteer, you have the right to refuse treatment at any point in the clinical trial and leave at any time and for any reason.

Who can participate in a clinical trial?

Each clinical trial has guidelines for patients based on specific factors, such as age, type of disease, medical history and current health, and health history. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are used to determine which volunteers are chosen to participate in the trial.

Where are clinical trials conducted?

Clinical trials are held within the Unit—the facility where the study is conducted. For In house studies, volunteers stay within the Unit throughout the trial and generally are not allowed to leave the premises due to safety reasons. Outpatient trials do not require any overnight stays.

What happens in a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is where participants are given test treatments and doctors carry out research on how the treatment affects the study patients. Some patients do not actually receive the test treatment, but instead receive a placebo (a substance having no pharmacological effect but administered as a control in testing). Your progress is will be followed closely by the doctor.

How safe are clinical trials?

All trials contain some form of risk. We have been successfully conducting trials for more than 17 years and have an excellent safety record. Our most experienced experts review the trials and compounds to ensure participants safety.

Will I be paid for taking part in a clinical trial?

Yes, you will be compensated for your time and travel during the study. Compensation varies.

How long do clinical trials last?

In house trials usually last between one and two weeks. Occasionally the stay may be longer. We also conduct outpatient trials where periodic visits are required, typically over longer periods.

What happens at a clinical trial screening?

You are provided with information about the study and a doctor will give you a physical exam. Blood and urine samples will be taken. If your health status matches the criteria for the study, you will be given the option to participate.