Questions to Ask About a Research Study

All About Clinical Research

Clinical research is the study of health and illness in people through research studies. Clinical research and studies help us understand how to prevent, diagnose, treat, and manage symptoms of diseases. 

Clinical trials are a type of research study. Clinical trials can develop new treatments and assess the safety and effectiveness of treatments for diseases, such as cancer. They can also study prevention, survivorship, detection, and more. People volunteer to participate in clinical trials. The standard of care today is the result of clinical trials and people like you who participate in studies.

Questions to Ask Before Participating

An important piece of deciding whether to participate in a research study is asking questions. All participants have the right to ask questions so you can fully understand the study, its processes, any possible risks or benefits, side effects, and more. You should know the answers to the following questions before agreeing to participate in a study. You can ask these questions to your doctor, health care team, study team, and more to make a fully informed decision.

Study Background:

• What is the study about and what is its purpose?
• Who can participate in this study? Why is the study recommended for me?
• How is this different from my current treatment? Is it similar to my current treatment, or potentially better or worse? How do you know?
• Who has reviewed and approved this study?
• Is the study funded or sponsored by other organizations or sources?

Study Procedures and Logistics:

• What will I be asked to do?
• How much time will the study take?
• What kinds of tests or procedures are involved?
• Where will the study visits take place and how often?
• Who can I talk to about any questions or concerns that come up during the study?
• How do I leave the study? 

Risks & Benefits:

• Could I benefit from participating?
• Are there any risks to participating?
• Are there any side effects of the treatment?

Costs:

• Are there extra costs involved with study participation? If so, who pays for these?
• Is participation covered by insurance? Can you help coordinate with my insurance?
• Will I be compensated or reimbursed for participating?

After a Study

• How will my information be stored and kept private during and beyond a study?
• Will I find out the study results? How and when?