The information and links below will provide you with more information about clinical trials: what they are, how they work, and other resources that may be available to you.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to answer a specific question about the safety or efficacy of a drug, a device, or a type of intervention. These studies provide opportunities for patients to volunteer for cutting-edge treatments, which allow doctors to examine the benefits and risks of using these drugs. Clinical trials are designed to find out if a drug works and is safe for people to take.


Why participate in a clinical trial?

People choose to participate in clinical trials for reasons as individual as they are. Clinical trials can either enhance treatment, or be a treatment option. Some people seek clinical trials when other treatment options have not been successful. Here are just a few of the many reasons people choose to participate in these studies:

Many, if not all, treatment drugs and tests are free to study participants

Successful clinical trials may improve the length and quality of life for study participants

Clinical trials provide an opportunity to take positive action by contributing to the understanding of a disease or condition and by furthering treatment options available to others

Patients in successful clinical trials are the first to benefit from these cutting-edge treatments

Patient Protections and Safety in Clinical Research

Patient safety is the single most important consideration in the clinical research industry. Each clinical trial conducted at Parkview Medical Center is carefully scrutinized by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) comprised of professionals with a vast and extensive understanding of clinical research and the nature of clinical trials. Each protocol (the map or design of the trial) is carefully reviewed, line by line, to ensure every possible precaution has been implemented and every consideration has been given to patient safety.

Throughout the course of any clinical trial, your participation remains strictly voluntary. You will be closely monitored by the Physician who is conducting the trial and the Clinical Research Coordinator. You may, at any time during a clinical trial, withdraw from participation. And, every effort will be made to ensure all your questions and concerns are addressed as they arise.