Questions to Ask About Clinical Trials: Your Guide
If you’re thinking about joining a clinical trial, you want to know as much as possible about what to expect. This guide provides some of the most important questions to ask about clinical trials.
Use this guide to gain helpful insight before participating in clinical research.
Questions to Ask About Clinical Trials
There are a lot of questions to ask about clinical trials. A simple way to handle all of them is to start with the big picture questions first. Once you have those answers, dig into the details.
Questions to Uncover a Clinical Trial’s Big Picture
To help you understand the overarching goals of an open clinical trial, consider these points:
- What is the purpose of this trial? Some clinical studies look for new ways to treat, prevent or detect disease. Others research methods to improve quality of life or behavioral changes for people with specific conditions.
- Am I a candidate? To join a clinical trial, you must meet certain criteria. Having a specific condition doesn’t automatically qualify you. You may need to meet other requirements, such as undergoing standard treatment unsuccessfully or being part of a particular racial or ethnic group.
- Am I guaranteed treatment? In some studies, a group of clinical trial participants receives treatment, while others receive an inactive substance known as a placebo. Ask if your trial will use a placebo and what that means for you.
- What can I expect? If you sign up for an experimental treatment, know the possible side effects. Ask your research team how these side effects can impact your life.
Ask More to Dig Deeper
Once the trial’s big picture is clear, these additional questions about clinical trials can help you move closer to a decision.
- How safe is it? The National Institutes of Health states that all clinical trials have potential risks. Find out what they are for the trial you’re considering. Also, ask how researchers aim to keep you safe and healthy.
- What are my potential costs? Insurance companies may help cover the costs of participating in a clinical trial, or the study sponsor may foot the bill. Sometimes, however, you may have out-of-pocket expenses. Ask about your costs, since you have rights and protections against surprise medical bills.
- How long does the trial last? Your trial may last for months or longer. You may need to come in for frequent treatment sessions, monitoring and follow-up care.
A Final Question to Ask About Clinical Trials
Once you’ve brought all the questions above to your care team, ask if there is anything else you should know about the trial.
Why make this final inquiry?
Every clinical trial is unique. By asking for additional information, you allow the experts to discuss anything your previous questions didn’t cover.
The Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Joint Clinical Trial Office (JCTO) offers various ongoing clinical trials. Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine to find out if you’re a candidate for one of them.