Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical trial, or clinical study, is research involving people to test new treatments, medications or methods for measuring how well a treatment works against a specific disease or condition. Nearly all medical breakthroughs are possible thanks to volunteers who participate in clinical trials.

These carefully designed studies help researchers answer important questions, such as: “Does drug A work better than drug B?” or “Do patients recover faster if they take this new medication before or after surgery?” By studying the effects of these treatments on both healthy volunteers and those with the condition being targeted, scientists can better understand how the intervention works and how it might benefit future patients.

Clinical trial terminology

Clinical trials explore a wide range of interventions aimed at improving health outcomes. These may include new drugs to treat or manage diseases, vaccines to prevent infections, medical devices like implants or monitors and innovative medical procedures. In addition to physical treatment, some trials focus on behavioral therapies, such as lifestyle changes or mental health interventions to address conditions like addiction and chronic illness.

Volunteers who meet study requirements—such as gender, age, condition or treatment history—may be eligible to join a clinical trial. To make sure each volunteer is the right fit, a member of the study team will carefully review your information during the screening process.

Because researchers need to account for all factors that could influence the study’s results, they set specific characteristics that determine who can or cannot participate, known as eligibility criteria. Even if you have the condition being studied, you might not qualify if you don’t meet all the criteria.

No, you are welcome to contact any ongoing study directly.

If a patient is ineligible, they should check with their healthcare provider to explore other options.

The timeline for clinical trials varies based on factors such as the phase of the trial, study design, treatment duration or the health condition being studied. During the consent process, the research team will explain the specific timeline for the trial.

Each clinical trial has a specific “protocol” that outlines how it will study the intervention. The protocol ensures that everyone involved—researchers, doctors, collaborators, regulatory agencies, and ethics committees—is aligned on how the trial will run. This shared understanding helps keep the study organized, maintains safety standards, and promotes clear communication, especially with participants like you.

For example, a protocol outlines how participants are divided, often randomly, into different groups. Some may receive the new intervention, others the current standard of care, and some a placebo. Comparing outcomes between these groups helps researchers determine the safety and effectiveness of the treatment being studied.

Clinical Trial Protocol

Children can participate in trials specifically designed for their age group. To ensure their safety, these studies follow stricter regulations and higher ethical standards than adult trials. Since children’s bodies are still developing, they may respond differently to treatments, making it essential to study these differences carefully. Some conditions also affect only children, which is why pediatric trials are important in finding effective treatments tailored to their unique needs.

Because insurance coverage varies widely across the country, the costs associated with clinical trials can differ. During the pre-trial screening, the research team will walk you through your coverage options and help you understand what expenses, if any, you might be responsible for.

Our work centers on three key areas: improving clinical patient access, advancing patient centricity and engagement, and building strategic external partnerships. We integrate patient voices into every aspect of trial design and planning, collecting insights from patients, caregivers, and communities to better understand lived experiences and unmet needs. These insights directly inform our study design and enhance the overall trial experience.

By cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships, we broaden our reach and foster trust in the communities we serve. Our commitment is to ensure our clinical trial programs truly reflect and serve the patients they are intended for.