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Clinical studies are any studies that involve people. There are two main types:
Observational
Researchers track health outcomes over time in groups of participants to look for patterns that help us better understand a disease.
Interventional
Participants receive specific interventions such as a new treatment or behavioral changes, like diet.
Steps to Begin
1. Find a trial
2. Talk to your doctor
3. Determine eligibility
4. Learn about the study
5. Sign forms
6. Make it happen
Good questions to ask about all clinical studies:
- Why is the study being done?
- How many different hospitals are involved in the study?
- Who is supporting the study (such as the NIH or a drug company?)
- How do I know if I am eligible?
- How long will the study last?
- What will happen to me when I’m in the study?
- Will I need to miss school or work if I join the study?
- How often will I have to come in for visits and can the study be combined
- with the regular visits to my kidney doctor?
- Will the study pay for travel, parking, or my time?
- Will I get to know the results of the study?
Additional questions about interventional studies:
- Is this the right time to think about changing treatments for my kidney disease?
- What is the treatment?
- Why does my doctor think I would benefit from being in the study?
- What are the risks of being in the study (like medication side effects)?
- Does everyone in the study get the treatment or are some patients assigned to no treatment (often called placebo)?
- Can I continue with the treatment when the study ends?
