Is it right for us?

Things to consider when joining a clinical trial

In order to make an informed decision about whether or not to join a clinical trial, it is advisable to find out as much about the trial as possible. 

  • What the treatment is and how it works
  • Whether the treatment has been tested before, and what the findings were
  • How the treatment will be given, for example, as tablets/medicine or an injection/infusion
  • Whether any participants will receive a placebo
  • How the investigators hope the treatment will help those in the trial
  • Possible side effects and/or risks
  • How the possible benefits and side effects compare with current treatment
  • Who is running the trial
  • Who is paying for the trial
  • How the trial will be run
  • Where the trial will be run
  • How long the trial will run for
  • What is required of the person taking part in the trial. For example:
    • The number of visits to the hospital or local clinic
    • Whether time off school or work will be needed
    • What sort of procedures will be done e.g. blood tests, lumbar punctures (spinal taps), medical imaging (x-rays, CT scans)
  • Whether any expenses will be paid for (e.g. travel costs)
  • When and how the results of the trial will be shared with participants
  • Whether it is possible to continue on the treatment after the trials finishes

You can discuss these questions with the clincial trial team and/or your usual treating team

Click here to download a printable version of this list

Keep in mind that all clinical trials:

  • Should be led by qualified staff at a clinical site
  • Should be approved by an ethics committee
  • Should be monitored by an institutional review board or other committee
  • Are voluntary – no one should feel pressured to join
  • Can be left at any time and for any reason
  • Should not cost anything to join

It is important to keep in mind

  • The treatment being tested may or may not work
  • The treatment may have side effects