When participating in a clinical trial, a research study patient faces a new world of medical terms and procedures. For some people myths and fears of “experimentation" or of being a “guinea pig” come with the idea of clinical trials. And, surely, there are fears of the unknown. Understanding what is involved can ease some of your anxieties. Patients in a clinical trial, for example, receive their care in the same places that standard treatments are given – at hospitals, clinics or their physician's office.
Because a growing number of private practice physicians are now involved in clinical trials research, most clinical trial procedures can be performed right in the physician's office. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals from many different specialties may assist in your care, all working together with consideration for your privacy and your well-being. If you participate in a research study, you will be monitored closely and data on your case carefully recorded. You may also receive more examinations and test than are usually given for standard treatments. (These are to closely follow your progress as well as to collect study data.) Although these additional tests can be inconvenient, they assure extra care and observation for you along the way. During the course of a study, if it is clear that treatment is not in your best interest, you will be removed from the study and discuss other treatment options with you physician. |
