It is important for anyone considering participating in a clinical trial to know as much as possible about the study prior to joining.

About the research

• Why is the research being done?


• What is the aim of the study?


• Who is financing the study?


• Has the study been reviewed and approved?


• Why does the research team think the experimental medical intervention will work?


• Will participants be given the results of the trial?

Financial implications

• Will participants have to pay to take part in the trial? If so, what are the charges likely to be and can medical insurance cover those expenses?


• Who will be responsible for my medical expenses, lost time from work etc?

Practicalities

• Where is the clinical trial to take place?


• How often will I have to go to the study site?


• When is the trial taking place?


• How long is the clinical trial?


• Are participants kept anonymous?


• Can participants talk with each other?

Healthcare implications

• What type of therapies, tests and procedures will the participants have?


• Will the therapies, tests and procedures hurt? If so, for how long?


• Will participants have to go to hospital? If so for how long?


• Will participants have medical care after the study ends? If so, who provides it?


• How will the therapies, tests and procedures compare to those for the regular treatment?


• Will participants be able to take their regular treatment and drugs during the clinical trial?


• Are there any treatments must participants avoid during the clinical trial?


• What responsibilities will participants have during the clinical trial?


• Will researchers work and liase with participants regular doctor during the trial?


• How do risks and benefits compare with those for approved treatments?
• Are there any known side effects of the medical intervention under investigation?


• How will participants be monitored during the trial?


• What happens if I am harmed by the experimental medical intervention?