What are clinical trials? How do clinical trials work?

Clinical trials are scientific studies conducted to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat disease. These clinical trials may also show which medical approaches work best for certain illnesses or groups of people. Clinical trials produce high-quality data for healthcare decision making.

The purpose of clinical trials is to answer scientific questions. Therefore, these studies follow strict, scientific standards that protect patients and help produce reliable clinical trial results. Clinical trials are one of the final stages of a long and careful research and development process. The process often begins in a laboratory, where scientists first develop and test new ideas.

At Great Lakes Research Group, we enroll patients with diagnoses and symptoms that match study participation qualifications. Every clinical research trial is designed to meet a specific set of research guidelines. If you fit the guidelines for a clinical research trial, you may be able to participate. In some instances, you may be required to undergo tests to confirm your eligibility as a research participant.

Your care will be provided by study physicians who also practice locally within their own medical practices. All care is provided at no cost and does not require health insurance. When giving your consent to participate in a clinical trial, you have the right to withdrawal from the trial at any time.

How do clinical trials work? What can I expect during the clinical trial?

Screening period – You will be provided an Informed Consent Form at your first visit. You will be given time to thoroughly read and ask any questions you may have regarding the trial. A copy of the Informed Consent Form will be provided to you. If you agree to participate, study-related assessments and procedures may be performed at this initial visit. This could include laboratory tests, physical exam, electrocardiogram (ECG), and study provided questionnaires. Study staff will also review your medical history, medications, and past treatments with you. You will also be seen by a study physician.

Treatment period– Depending on the length of the study you are in, you will return to the site for continued treatment and monitoring. Study-related procedures may be repeated at these visits. 

End of study/Safety Follow up – After you have completed the treatment phase of the trial you may be asked to return to the clinical research site for study-related procedures and to return all study provided materials for a final visit to complete your participation in the study.

A schedule of events regarding procedures and study visits at the research site will be included in your Informed Consent Form and explained to you at the beginning of the study.

Are you still finding yourself asking, “How do clinical trials work”? We invite you to contact us today at (989) 895-9100 for more information.