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Barwon Health / Research

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Questions to Ask

If you are thinking about being part of a clinical trial, you should know as much as possible about the study, your involvement and the commitment you are making.

Below are some questions you may like to ask:

About the trial

  • What is the aim of the trial and how will it help people?
  • Has the intervention been tested before and, if so, what was the outcome?
  • Will the trial use a placebo (a ‘dummy’ treatment), standard care or another established intervention as the control to compare with the new intervention?
  • Who is funding the trial?

Your involvement

  • How might this trial affect my daily life? How much of my time will be needed?
  • What kinds of tests and procedures are involved?
  • Will I have to complete questionnaires or keep a diary?
  • Will I need to spend time in hospital?
  • Will I need to take time off work or school?
  • Where will the trial be conducted and will I have to travel to be part of it?
  • Will I be able to take my regular medications while participating in the trial?
  • How long is the trial expected to last? How long will I have to be part of it?
  • What will happen if I stop the trial intervention or leave the trial before it ends?
  • Who will be in charge of my care? Who can I contact for support and information during the trial? Will someone be available 24 hours a day?

Risks

  • What are the risks of taking part in this trial? What are the possible side effects of the trial intervention?
  • How do the possible risks, side effects and benefits in the trial compare with my current treatment or care?
  • If people receiving one intervention in the trial respond much better than people receiving the other intervention or standard care, will all participants be given access to the more effective intervention?

Costs

  • Who will pay for the experimental intervention?
  • Will I be paid to participate in the trial?
  • Will my expenses be covered?
  • If there are complications that arise from the trial, who is responsible for paying for any costs that are associated with them?

After the trial

  • What follow-up care is available after the trial?
  • How long will it be before the results of the trial are known?
  • How do I find out the results of the trial?
  • Will I have access to the experimental intervention after the trial if I wish to continue with it?

 

Last Modified: Tuesday, 09 June 2020

Acknowledgement & further information

The content on this website has been adapted from

NHMRC Australian Clinical Trials

Medicines Australia