What is the difference between receiving treatment in a study and receiving it from my regular health care provider?
Often the treatment(s) in regular care and studies are similar. Because researchers are trying to learn something new (or to confirm something), there may be more standardization and restrictions in research. Assessments may be more frequent than in regular care. Usually, assessments are more thorough than is affordable in ordinary care. Research evaluations and treatments are usually free (and there is often some compensation). The more frequent and/or more extensive evaluations may consume more time for the patient than in regular care. Sometimes, treatments offered in studies are novel or not widely available to the public. An example is when new treatments are being evaluated for the first time in human patients. Many studies are “controlled.” This means that one subgroup for at least part of the time receives no treatment or a standard comparison. Some studies look at different amounts of treatment in dose comparisons.
Related Questions
- Can a doctor, laboratory, or other health care provider share patient health information for treatment purposes by fax, e-mail, or over the phone?
- What is the difference between receiving treatment in a study and receiving it from my regular health care provider?
- How does HIPAA affect a research study that also involves health care treatment?
