What Is A Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials are research studies designed to collect pivotal knowledge about investigational medications that may benefit future patients and current research participants. The trials are designed to assess both the safety and effectiveness of a product and are conducted under rigorous FDA guidelines. All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications have been through clinical trials to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Information and data gathered during the study is reviewed by the pharmaceutical company to support any claim of safety and/or effectiveness. That data is then submitted to the FDA, which reviews the data and approves or denies a new drug to be available by prescription or OTC use.
Why Are Clinical Trials Important?
Clinical research trials are so important because they play a pivotal role in driving medical advancements. Through clinical research, new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease are discovered and implemented. Clinical trials can focus on a number of different medical areas, including:
- New drugs or new combinations of drugs
- New ways of doing surgery
- New medical devices
- New ways to use existing treatments
- New ways to change behaviors to improve health
- New ways to improve the quality of life for people with acute or chronic illnesses.
The goal of clinical trials is to determine if these treatment, prevention, and behavior approaches are safe and effective.
How Can A Clinical Trial Be Used As A Care Option?
Oftentimes, the clinical trial leaders will collaborate with primary care providers and specialists to identify patients who have chronic conditions or illnesses that are qualifying factors for clinical research. Clinical research is impactful to advancements in medicine, but most importantly, it can improve the health and wellness journey of the participating patients. Successful treatments and treatment plans are defined by these clinical trials, and successful clinical outcomes derived from these trials benefit the patients.
For over 20 years, our research division, WH Research, has led the region in clinical trials. With over 75 studies in progress at any given time, no other area provider is as experienced or as respected. We believe that our breakthrough clinical research leads to improved outcomes and better value. Our goal is to ensure the best medical care for our patients, while maintaining an active role in the development of new treatments and medications. It’s just another way Wilmington Health is dedicated to providing accessible care options for our patients.
Could A Clinical Trial Be Right For You?
People take part in clinical trials for many reasons. Healthy volunteers say they take part to help others and to contribute to moving science forward. People with an illness or disease also take part to help others, but also to possibly receive the newest treatment and to have added (or extra) care and attention from the clinical trial staff. Clinical trials offer hope for many people and a chance to help researchers find better treatments for others in the future
Important Questions To Ask Before You Decide To Participate In A Clinical Trial
- What is the purpose of the trial?
- How can I involve my family doctor in the care I receive?
- Is the new study drug FDA-approved for any other conditions?
- Can I take my regular medications while I’m involved in a study?
- Will the study cost me anything? Will I be compensated for participating in the study?
- What happens if I have a problem while I’m enrolled in a study?
- What if I decide that the study is no longer in my best interest?
If you are interested in participating in a clinical study or just want to learn more about the process, talk with your provider today and explore the current trials available at Wilmington Health.