Understanding clinical trials brochure
This brochure explains what clinical trials are, how they work and why representation matters.
Clinical trials are made possible by the people who participate and help move research forward. Clinical trial participation can allow a person to take a more active role in their health journey and contribute to research that may help future generations. This page is here to help you understand what clinical trials are, address common questions and connect you with information to help make informed decisions about participation.
Let’s talk why: Importance of participation
Participating in a clinical trial is a meaningful decision. Understanding what’s involved — and why your participation matters — can help you make an informed decision as you consider a clinical trial.
Advancing science
Clinical trial participation provides an opportunity to contribute to data that may advance research and help future generations.
Building trust
Healthcare institutions haven’t consistently engaged all communities in the past. When you, your community and healthcare professionals work together, it can help build trust in clinical trials for all people.
Becoming informed
Participating in a clinical trial can allow a person to take a more active role in their health journey and provide access to research that may be relevant to their care.
Every voice can help shape the future
Hear from people sharing their experiences and perspectives on clinical trials, representation and the future of medicine.
Turning experience into action
After receiving an HIV diagnosis, Arianna turned her experience into action as founder and CEO of Arianna’s Place. Hear why representation in clinical trials means so much to her and her community.
From participation to advocacy
As a triple-negative breast cancer survivor and clinical trial participant, Sharon turned her experience into advocacy as founder and CEO of Trials of Color. Hear how she helps others learn about clinical trials and make informed decisions about participation.
Let’s talk how: Helpful resources
These resources are designed to help people and their loved ones understand clinical trials, address questions and make informed decisions about participation.
Myths about clinical trials infographic
Use this infographic to separate common myths from facts.
Glossary of terms
Use this glossary to help learn common words used to describe and talk about clinical trial participation.
Questions about clinical trials
Have questions about clinical trials? You’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common things people want to know.
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A clinical trial is a research study that helps researchers learn how our bodies respond to medicines and other treatments. They test new ways to help prevent, find, diagnose or treat diseases and whether investigational treatments or new uses for existing treatments are safe and effective. Clinical trial participants are partners in helping to advance medical research and have rights, including the right to withdraw from the clinical trial at any time.
Diseases can impact people differently based on their age, gender, weight, race, ethnicity and other factors. It’s important that participants represent the population of people most impacted by the disease, so the data generated from the research appropriately reflects the populations of patients medicines and vaccines are designed to help and protect.
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and are closely monitored by experts who aren’t part of the trial. Before a trial begins, it must be reviewed and approved by a committee called the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to make sure the risks are as low as possible and worth any possible benefits. Taking part in a clinical trial is voluntary and you may leave the trial at any time.
Let’s Talk Trials
Join us in a conversation. Let’s help create a future of healthcare that’s inclusive and representative of all communities.
To learn more about clinical trials, please contact our clinical trial information center at 1-888-577-8839.
