Research

›› What is a clinical research trial?

A clinical research trial is an investigational study in which physicians help researchers gather data to improve the health of our society. More information can be found at http://www.fda.gov/oashi/clinicaltrials/clintrialdoc.html

›› Why do people volunteer for clinical research?

• Sometimes the current treatments available do not work as well as we wish they would and people look for alternative solutions to their conditions.
• Some patients are unable to tolerate the current treatments available.
• Some people volunteer for altruistic reasons; they would like to do their part to help others and future generations.
• Some folks do not have adequate health care and participating in clinical trials provides the medical attention that they need.

›› What’s involved in clinical research?

• The first step is the consent process where we give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not you want to volunteer for a trial.
• Next, the prospective volunteer is screened to make sure they meet all the criteria for being in the trial which includes a medical history, review of all medications taken by the volunteer, blood work, EKG, physical exam, etc.
• Once the volunteer is deemed eligible, they are randomly put in one of the treatment groups of the trial.
• Depending on the study, the volunteer will return to the clinic several times for the staff to collect data, check for safety such as blood work, ECG, ask about general health changes and changes in other medication, and dispense investigational drug.
• The research staff will follow-up with the volunteer up to one month after the study treatment has stopped.

Please visit Newsroom section to review ongoing clinical trials at the Valley Medical Primary care.