There are many options to consider when evaluating participating in any type of pharmaceutical clinical research program. These programs follow specific types of protocols, including observational or interventional studies. Interventional studies depend on outcomes from various types of interventions or treatments. Observational studies measure patient outcomes by directly observing the reactions of patients to the research protocol.
Pharmaceutical clinical trial companies focus a trial based on guidelines using types of criteria such as age, disease stage and past treatments received. There are many types of trials-each with a particular focus. These are:
1. Treatment trials, which use new ways to do surgery or radiation therapy.
2. Prevention trials that help prevent different types of medical conditions in people who have the condition, but hadn’t yet found it.
3. Randomized pharmaceutical trials where people receive the study medication or a form of sugar pill known as a placebo.
4. Trials performed to find better procedures for treatment or interventions, called diagnostic trials.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Understand the goals and options of any type of pharmaceutical clinical trial services provided
Pharmaceutical clinical trials have many different types of goals based on the medical condition being treated. Knowing the goals of treatment and the options available enable patients to be their own health care advocate.
I recommend: Knowing where to find the right information in regards to the clinical trial chosen is imperative.
Clinicaltrials.gov has a huge database of all clinical trials available along with criteria and inclusion data to help those investigating clinical trials as a treatment option. The
American Cancer Society also has detailed information on specific types of trials available as well as the expectations for treatment of each trial.
Become knowledgeable of all pharmaceutical clinical trial management activities
Clinical trials for pharmaceuticals are usually monitored by clinical research companies affiliated with the medication under study. The activities require clinical monitoring activities that adhere to guidelines established by the sponsor or clinical trial company. It is important to understand the types of expected activities when participating in a study.
I recommend: There are many providers for clinical monitoring services, which can assist with the programs associated with research studies. Organizations like
Contract Clinical and
SeqWright follow strict guidelines when administering a clinical monitoring program.
Develop an expertise in pharmaceutical clinical trial key terms to be your own health care advocate
Knowing the basics of any clinical or pharmaceutical trial will allow the patient to know what to expect when choosing to participate in a clinical trial program. Knowing key terms used for and in any clinical monitoring program will allow you to make the best health care decision when considering participation.
I recommend: Clinical trials allow patients to have another option for health care. In considering these options, it is very important to become aware of all the usual terms utilized by the professionals involved in the research programs. Good reference sources to assist in obtaining this knowledge are at the
Huntington Study Group organization and
The CenterWatch Clinical Trials Listing Service, both of which have extensive information on the process of clinical trials and their management.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Becoming knowledgeable of the process of pharmaceutical clinical trials will enable people to make the most informed health care decisions when faced with possible life altering medical conditions.
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