Clinical Trial FAQ
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific
health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way
to find treatments that work and ways to improve health.
HOPE's research volunteer program connects interested individuals with research
professionals to provide opportunities to increase knowledge and understanding of a
disease process. Volunteers come from all walks of life and can be male or female
and any ethnicity or racial background. Age requirements vary from study to study.
Some studies need both healthy individuals as well as those with a specific illness.
If you sign-up through our online form or by calling us you can be notified of
studies that may be of interest to you.
What can be expected as a participant in a clinical trial?
The clinical team is made up of physicians and health care professionals which
will treat and review each participant's care during the trial. The trial follows a
carefully controlled study plan to ensure the protection and safety of each
participant. All research trials are conducted under very strict, ethical, legal,
and medical regulations and standards.
The length of the trial varies and will be explained during the informed consent
process. Studies can range anywhere from 2 visits over the course of a few weeks to
many visits over a few years. Most trials will compensate each participant for time
and travel expenses, the amount of which will also be disclosed in the informed
consent document.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a clinical trial
before you decide whether or not to participate. It is also a continuing process
throughout the study to provide information for participants. If the participant's
native language is not English, translation assistance will be provided. The
research team provides an informed consent document that includes details about the
study, such as its purpose, duration, required procedures, and key health
professional contacts. Risks and potential benefits are explained in the informed
consent document. The participant then decides whether or not to sign the document
and participate in the research study. The informed consent document is not a
contract and the participant may withdraw from the trial at any time.
Looking for additional information?
More information about clinical trials can be found by visiting
Center Watch,
an outstanding resource for both professionals and patients.
