Clinical research is a type of healthcare science aimed at advancing medical knowledge.
The purpose of clinical research is to determine the optimal method of prevention, diagnosis and treatment for various diseases and conditions.
We use clinical trials to conduct our research.
What Is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial is used to study the safety and effectiveness of a specific drug, device or treatment method. Clinical trials must follow strict scientific standards that help protect patients, as well as ensure accurate results.
Trials are typically conducted in 4 phases. Phase I is the first safety study with around 20-100 healthy volunteers. Phase II is the start of efficacy study and up to several hundred people are enrolled. Phase III involves long-term observation in preparation for FDA approval, and Phase IV is post-approval testing for a drug, device or treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, clinical trials may find that a new treatment, drug or device:
- Improves patient outcomes
- Offers no benefit
- Causes unexpected harm
Clinical trials are an essential aspect of patient care. They provide medical professionals with the necessary data to make informed, confident decisions.
Benefits to Participating in a Clinical Trial
There are a number of reasons to participate in a clinical research trial. These trials offer benefits to patients who participate due to a medical condition, as well as those who volunteer out of general interest.
Advantages of joining a clinical trial:
- Advanced Medical Treatment — gain access to the latest drugs and devices being tested to treat a condition or disease
