Why should patients participate in a clinical trial?
There are many reasons people take part in research studies. Often it gives them a chance to access a medicine that is not available on the market for prescription. If this is the case patients should remember that the study is being performed to find out if the drug works and if it is safe. This means that there is some information that is unknown about the drug and it is considered experimental. Often the process of collecting information in the study will allow doctors to find out more about a patients disease and the effects it has on them. This may help patients benefit from better treatment after theyve completed a trial. A trial may not benefit a patient directly, but the information gathered may be of help to other patients with the same condition. Many patients derive satisfaction from knowing that they are part of the effort to potentially reduce the suffering of other people.
