The process of collecting information may allow you to benefit from better treatment after completing the trial. Depending on the clinical trial, participants can gain access to research treatments before they are available to the wider public. Additionally, in participating you will be directly contributing to help reduce the challenges others face from the same medical condition.

Pros:

• Expert care and close monitoring

• Access to treatment before they are made widely available

• Reduced or no cost

Cons:

• Treatment may be ineffective, unpleasant, or harmful

• Involves a lot of time and frequent hospital stays

• Might need to follow complex medical procedures or dosing

Clinical research is federally regulated specifically to protect participants. Additionally, ethical and legal codes are enforced in clinical trials. Individual participants’ names will remain private and not be mentioned where the research is presented.

Yes, participants can leave at any time. When withdrawing from the trial, the research team should be notified, and usually, a brief explanation is given of reasons for leaving the study.