This list is not everything you need to know before you agree to participate in medical research, but it will help you start the conversation. Make sure you have all of your questions answered before you agree to join a clinical trial. Find out:
What’s the purpose, and what will happen?
- What’s the goal of the study?
- What kind of drugs, tests and treatments will you receive?
- How long will the study last, and how many times will you have to go to the facility administering it?
- How will they keep your information private?
- What happens when the study ends?
What are the possible benefits and risks?
You may not get any direct benefit from being in a clinical trial. The medicine or treatment may not work for you.
- What are the benefits of the treatments?
- What are the risks and side effects of the treatments?
- Are there any other treatments or options for people with your disease?
- Can you take your other medications while participating in the trial?
What other support is available? What are the possible costs?
- What treatments or services will the study pay for?
- Does the study offer child care or transportation?
- Will you have to absorb any of the costs yourself?
- What will your insurance cover?
Who has more information?
- Who should you contact if you have questions or problems?
- How will you get the results?
