Skip to main content

Barwon Health / Research

(03) 4215 0000

Why participate in a Clinical Trial?

Participation in any research project is voluntary and it is important that you decide if volunteering is the best option for you.  It is important to understand you may not receive any direct benefit from participating in a clinical trial, however there may be a number of possible advantages . These can include:

  • Gaining early access to new medicines not otherwise available;
  • Obtaining the clinical trial medicine at no cost, at least during the trial;
  • Receiving extensive medical care associated with the clinical trial; and
  • Contributing to the development of future life-saving or life-enhancing treatments.

Participation in clinical trials is not, however, without its downsides. For example:

  • There may be side effects from the trial medicine;
  • The trial medicine may not work;
  • You may be placed in the control or reference group and not receiving the trial medicine; and
  • You may need to visit the hospital or doctor’ room more frequently or stay there longer.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 09 June 2020

Acknowledgement & further information

The content on this website has been adapted from

NHMRC Australian Clinical Trials

Medicines Australia