Information for Patients About Research Studies and Clinical Trials 

• Points to consider before participating in research

  • • Participation is voluntary. If you decide not to participate, it will not impact the medical care you receive at St. Luke's.
    • Research is not the same as medical care. Participating in a research study may or may not help you personally, but could help others in the future.
    • Joining a research study involves risks and benefits. It's important for you to ask questions to make sure you understand both.
    • A group of independent scientists, non-scientists, and community members (called an institutional review board or IRB) reviews the research study before it starts to make sure it is safe for patients. 

• What are clinical trials?

  • • A type of clinical research study that involves people 
    • A way to test new drugs, devices, and equipment to find new ways to treat and help patients
    • An experiment to see if new drugs or treatments are safe and effective 
    • A process that can sometimes take many years to complete

• Why is clinical research Important?

  • • Clinical trials allow us to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and devices 
    • It also allows us to explore new ways to use existing treatments
    • The knowledge gained through clinical research allows us to improve treatments for future patients
    • It is essential to advancing health care; without it, there can be no new treatments

• What are research participants commonly asked to do during a study?

  • There are different things you may be asked to do depending on the goals of the study. Some common activities are: 
    
    
    • Completing questionnaires
    • Providing samples such as blood or saliva
    • Taking an experimental drug or using an experimental device
    • Allowing access to your medical records
    • Taking part in an interview, alone or with a group