Clinical Research Studies: What They Are and What They Offer
Clinical research studies are sometimes referred to as "clinical studies" or "clinical trials," or collectively as "clinical research," "medical research," or "research studies." The words "study" or "studies," or "trial" or "trials" are also sometimes used as short-hand terms. The information provided here applies equally, regardless of which term is used.
Clinical research studies, an important part of the development of medical treatments, are designed to test investigational treatments for overall safety and effectiveness in specific patients. The results of these studies must provide enough information for governmental regulatory agencies to decide whether to license these investigational treatments so that doctors may prescribe them for their patients.
Investigational treatments may be compared with the current standard of care, with a placebo (a substance designed to have no effect on health), or with some other form of treatment.
Participation in a clinical research study is always voluntary, and choosing not to participate will not affect the current medical care that you or the person in your care are receiving, or that either of you will receive in the future.
Learn more about clinical research studies at clinicaltrials.gov.
