Frequently Asked Questions
About Research Participation
Louisiana doctors are working together to answer important health questions. They are doing research studies to find better drugs and treatments. These studies, called clinical trials, are the safest way to find these new medicines and treatments. Clinical trials involve people who volunteer to participate. Below are some frequently asked questions and general information about clinical trials.
1. What is the benefit of being in a clinical trial?
- All people in a clinical trial receive very good health care.
- Often, people receive free health care during the study.
- Sometimes people are paid to participate.
- Sometimes patients can get new drugs or treatments before they are widely available
2. What do I need to know about being in a clinical trial?
- How long does it last?
- Why are doctors doing this study?
- Is it safe to participate?
- What are the benefits of being in the trial?
- Are there any risks?
- Who do I call if I have questions?
- Can I get out if I decide I don t want to be in the study?
- Will my information be confidential?
3. What can I expect if I decide to be in a clinical trial?
- A health care professional will give you information about the study and tell you what you need to do.
- Doctors and nurses will check your health at the beginning of the study. They will continue to carefully keep track of your health during and at the end of the study.
- All your health information will be confidential.
- If you want your primary care doctor to see your information you can sign papers to do this.