People who are in a clinical trial or are thinking about joining a clinical trial have the right to ask the study staff any questions they may have about the study.
The questions below are useful for patients, potential study volunteers, and their family members or friends, to ask the research staff – which can include doctors, nurses, study coordinators and other people who help conduct the trial.
1. What is the main purpose of this study?
2. Does the study involve a placebo or a treatment that is already on the market?
3. How will the treatment be given to me?
4. How long is the study going to last and what will I be asked to do as a participant?
5. What has been learned about the study treatment and are any study results published?
6. Do I have to pay for any part of the study? Will my insurance cover these costs?
7. Is there any reimbursement for travel costs or childcare?
8. Will I be able to see my own doctor?
9. If the treatment works for me, can I keep using it after the study?
10. Can anyone find out whether I’m participating in the clinical trial?
11. Will I receive any follow-up care after the study has ended?
12. What will happen to my medical care if I stop participating in the study?
13. Does the physician/investigator have any financial or special interest in the clinical study?
14. What are the credentials and research experience of the physician and study staff?
CISCRP was featured in a Wall Street Journal Supplement, Your Guide to Understanding the Need for Clinical Research and Participation with its feature article, Understanding Clinical Trials: Appreciating Medical Heroes.