Your questions answered. We have put some of the commonly asked questions about clinical research to share more information with you. Have another question? Contact Us.
Clinical research is how we learn what works in medicine. A clinical trial is a type of research study that tests whether a treatment, vaccine, or medical device is safe and effective for human use. Before any new treatment can be made available to the public, it has to be studied carefully in people. That’s what a clinical trial does.
Trials vary widely. Some study new medications. Others look at devices, vaccines, or new ways to detect illness. People of all ages can take part, including children when appropriate.
No. Some studies look for people with a specific health condition. Others need healthy volunteers. Each study has its own requirements for participation, which might include factors like age, health history, or what medications you currently take. The study team will go through all of that with you before you commit to anything.
People join clinical trials for all kinds of reasons. Some are looking for more treatment options, while some are healthy and want to help advance medical research. Some have a personal connection to a disease and want to help others find solutions.
Whatever brings someone to a trial, the contribution is impactful. Research only moves forward because people are willing to take part.
Most clinical trials ask you to come into a clinic for every visit. At Lightship, the visit can often come to you.
Depending on the study and where you live, you may be able to participate at home, at one of our clinic sites, or through a Mobile Research Unit (MRU) in your community. Our nurses and coordinators are trained to work in all of these settings, and evening and weekend appointments are available where the study allows. Throughout your study, you work with the same clinical team, no matter where your visits happen.
Not every option is available for every study or every location. The team will explain what’s available for your specific trial when you sign up.
Your study team is the group of people who support you from the time you sign up through the end of the study. At Lightship, that typically includes:
A Mobile Research Unit, or MRU, is a fully equipped medical vehicle staffed by trained clinical professionals. Lightship uses MRUs to bring research directly into communities. They are used for clinical trial visits and community health screenings.
If you qualify for a study that uses an MRU, the team will schedule your visits with you in advance, just like any other appointment.
In most cases, taking part in a clinical trial is free to you. The organization funding the study typically covers the cost of study-related visits, tests, and medications.
Many studies also compensate participants for their time and travel. The details vary by study, and the team will go over exactly what to expect before you decide to join.
Every clinical trial Lightship runs must be reviewed and approved by medical regulators and an independent ethics committee before it can begin. Those groups weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully.
During the study, qualified medical professionals monitor participants throughout. Before you join, the study team will explain what’s involved, including procedures, possible side effects, and your options. They will answer any questions you have. If you experience side effects during the study, those effects will be monitored and addressed.
It depends on the study. Some run for a few weeks; others go on for a year or more. Before you sign up, the study team will walk you through the time commitment: how many visits to expect, how long the visits will take, and how the visits can be scheduled around your life. At Lightship, we look for ways to reduce the time and travel involved, including through home visits where available.
Yes. In fact, we encourage it. If you find a clinical trial on your own, talking to your doctor is a good first step. They can help you decide whether it’s a good fit for you.
During the trial, the study doctor oversees all your study-related care. You’ll keep seeing your regular doctor as usual for everything else. Lightship’s study team is also available to answer questions from your doctor at any point.
Yes. You’re welcome to tell family and friends that you’re participating in a clinical trial. Some studies may ask you to keep certain details confidential, such as which treatment you’re receiving. The study team will be clear about what information can and can’t be shared, and your consent form will include those specifics.
Yes. You can leave a clinical trial at any time, for any reason. You don’t have to explain yourself. If something comes up or you have concerns, the study team is always available to talk, but the decision is entirely yours.
When the clinical trial ends, your participation is complete. The research team will let you know about any follow-up steps that apply to your study.
Results from clinical trials aren’t usually available right away. It can take time to analyze all the data. When results are ready, they’re typically published in medical journals or posted on registries like ClinicalTrials.gov. Your study team can tell you more about what to expect at the close of your particular study.
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