The Hows and Whys

of Clinical Research.

WHAT IS A CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY?

A clinical research study is a study on human volunteers which looks to answer specific health questions. The goal of a carefully conducted clinical study is to find a safe way to improve health and find treatments that work. Clinical studies are used in all areas of medicine to test new forms of therapy.

We encourage you to discuss any and all concerns with our health care team. Please ask questions about the clinical study you are interested in. You should know as much as possible about the clinical study and feel comfortable talking with our staff members.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

All clinical studies have guidelines about who can participate. Before joining a clinical study, a participant must qualify. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria is an important principle of medical research which helps to produce reliable results.

Inclusion criteria are factors that allow participation in a study, while exclusion criteria prohibit an entrant from participating. Criteria may be based on such factors as: age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions.

It is important to note that inclusion and exclusion criteria are not used to reject people personally. Instead, the criteria are used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe. These criteria help ensure that researchers will be able to answer the questions they plan to study.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?

Participants in clinical studies play a more active role in their own health care. They gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. Because these studies are available right here in Columbus, Ohio, you have a unique opportunity to participate.