Science has taken center stage since the sweeping effects of COVID-19 has impacted society at large. This has created a newfound interest in research and participation in clinical trials. But should you do it?
Mary Fox, a nurse practitioner at Aurora Health Care shares what you need to know when considering participation in a clinical trial.
Potential benefits of participating in a clinical trial:
- You may have a treatment which is only available as part of a trial
- You could help to improve treatment for patients in the future
- Access to highly qualified medical professionals as part of disease treatment
Possible risks of being in a clinical trial:
- There is a higher level of documentation and paperwork than typically seen in a traditional office visit.
- Anticipate more blood tests, scans, or additional procedures.
- More frequent checkups may be of longer duration and more frequent.
- Extra expense may be involved depending on the level of care and oversight needed to do the trial safely.
- Uncertainty of response and or side effects.
Risks and benefits should be thoroughly discussed with all the care providers involved, Fox said. This will avoid feelings of resentment, frustration and depression if patients know the expectations up front.
The AARP also provides this guide on helping you make a well-informed decision when thinking about participating in a clinical trial:
- Does the goal of the study match my goals for treatment?
- How much work is involved in participation? Be specific in terms of testing, traveling, and cost.
- Full disclosure of side effects if known and thorough discussion of anticipated side effects.
- Chances of being in the control group (placebo) versus treatment group?
- How will I be informed of the results of the study?
“Do your homework before participation,” Fox said. “New therapies and treatments offered are no guarantees. However, in cases where the benefits outweigh the risks, clinical trials can offer a small beacon of hope to its participants as well as a light at the end of the tunnel for future ones.”
