Ask About Clinical Trial Opportunities

New York, NY, May 15, 2022 — Advocating for your own best care includes raising the possibility of joining a clinical trial with your healthcare provider.  Here’s more on how :

It is important for individuals who are considering participation in a trial to understand what will be involved.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) asking the healthcare team overseeing the study about possible risks and benefits, care during the trial, personal concern, and financial issues. Some of the recommended questions are:

• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who has reviewed and approved the study?
• What are the possible benefits, risks, and side effects?
• What kinds of treatments, procedures, and/or tests will I have during the study?
• How might the trial affect my daily life?
• How long will the trial last?
• Who will pay for the tests and treatments? Will I have to pay for any part of the trial?
• Will there be reimbursement for other expenses (e.g., travel and child care needed to participate)?
• Who will be in charge of “my” care? Who should be contacted if there is a problem, question, or concern?
• What will happen after the trial?

The Office for Human Research Protections, a part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, has resources for people interested in learning more about clinical research –

For more questions to ask when deciding whether to volunteer for research, click here.