Carefully conducted clinical trials are the primary way researchers fi nd out if a promising treatment is safe and effective. Patients who participate in clinical research can gain access to new treatments before they are widely available and help others by contributing to medical research fi ndings. Clinicians have an important role in continuing to care for patients who participate in clinical trials.
Most trials offer short-term treatments related to a specifi c illness or condition.
They do not provide extended or complete primary health care. You will continue your involvement in the patient’s care but may need to communicate at times with your patient’s clinical research team. By working with the research team, you can ensure that other medications or treatment needed by your patient will not conflict with the protocol.
For information about federally and privately supported clinical research, visit: www.clinicaltrials.gov