Clinical trials provide an opportunity for patients to participate in the research process and stay on top of cutting edge research in a field. Participating in a research study allows the patient to play an active role in his or her on health care and treatment. Oftentimes, patients are able to have access to new treatments before they are available to the general public. There are risks associated with participation in a study, and it is possible that there may even be unpleasant, serious, or even life-threatening side effects to the treatment.
The decision to participate in a clinical trial is always up to the patient, and the patient is within his or her rights to refuse to participate. Clinical study participation is not for everyone, and care should be given to the decision to participate. Patients may drop out of studies at any time, but should continue participation in the study if at all possible, since dropping out can affect the study’s outcome. It is also possible that the institution where the study is being conducted may end a patient’s participation involuntarily if it is determined that it is in the patients’ best interest to stop participation, if the patient does not follow the rules, or if the study is discontinued.
Patient confidentiality is always a primary concern, and while the researchers will likely publish their findings, they will not release the names or identities of specific study participants without written permission.
Until next time…cheers!
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