Through clinical trials, care teams better understand how to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and medical conditions. These studies test and compare experimental drugs, medical devices and techniques. Care teams learn how to bring beneficial new treatments to patients.
Most medications and medical devices being used today began in clinical trials to test their safety and effectiveness.
Clinical Trial Participation
Clinical trials and the people who volunteer for them help shape the future of medicine. Whether to apply to take part in a clinical trial is up to you. To help you decide, ask your care team:
- What will happen to me during the study?
- How might this study affect my daily life?
- Will there be any side effects?
- Can I leave the research study at any point?
- Will the results of the study be provided to me?
- How is my safety ensured and protected?
- Will this be covered by my insurance?
Benefits and Risks
Northwestern Medicine reviews all potential clinical trials before making them available to you. Still, be sure you understand the possible benefits and risks to participating in any given clinical trial.
Possible Benefits
- Help test medications, medical devices and treatments that can help people around the world now and in the future
- Play an active role in your own care
- Gain access to new treatments before they are available to the public
- Get world-class care at a leading healthcare facility
Possible Risks
- Unpleasant, serious or life-threatening side effects
- Treatments or therapies may not be effective
- Participation in a clinical trial may require more time and attention than standard care
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