 Purpose of the Clinical Trial Toolkit
This toolkit was made to help patients learn more about clinical trials. It was created with input from community members and healthcare providers. The toolkit addresses common challenges, clears up myths, and encourages patients to talk with their providers. By sharing these tools, we hope to give credible information and help you make smart choices about clinical trials. |
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What is a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials test new treatments or interventions in people. Clinical trials are the main way researchers find out if a new treatment is safe and effective. There are both benefits and risks in taking part in clinical research.
Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?
You can get access to new medical care options and help improve health for yourself, your community, and others in the future.
Did You Know?
1. Joining a clinical trial can be easy. Many trials offer help, such as money, travel support, or flexible times, to make it simple to join. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out more about these options.
2. Every voice counts. It’s important for everyone’s voice to be heard in health research. Being part of a clinical trial can help you and others in your community.
3. Trust in clinical trials starts with talking openly. Your healthcare provider can explain how trials work and answer any questions you have.
Myth vs. Fact
There can be many misunderstandings about clinical trials that can make people unsure about joining. Let’s clear up common myths with facts, so you can make the best choice for you.
Myth: I can only join a clinical trial if my healthcare provider refers me.
Fact: Your healthcare provider may not know about all of the trials out there. Ask your local health system to help find options that might work for you or visit clinicaltrials.gov.
Myth: If I join a clinical trial, I’ll be a “guinea pig.”
Fact: The #1 priority for clinical trials is your safety. You’ll be informed of all clinical trial details before you join. A team of healthcare professionals by your side to guide and support you every step of the way.
Myth: Clinical trials will only give me a placebo.
Fact: Not all clinical trials use placebos. If they do, you will always know of the possibility of it being used beforehand.
Myth: Clinical trials won’t pay me to join.
Fact: Many trials offer payment or incentives for your time and effort. You can help improve healthcare while benefiting yourself!
Myth: If my healthcare provider doesn’t bring up clinical trials, they must not be an option for me.
Fact: Healthcare providers are open to talking about clinical trials with you. Start a conversation with your healthcare provider to learn more.
Questions To Ask Your Provider
Use these questions to help start the conversation about clinical trials with your health care provider.
1. Will I get paid or other incentives for my travel and time?
2. Can I choose appointment times that fit my schedule?
3. What are the benefits and risks of joining a clinical trial?
4. Do you think joining a clinical trial would be good for me?
5. How do I know clinical trials are safe to join?
6. How do I know if I’m getting the actual treatment or a placebo?
Learn More
Connect with a Clinical Trial Outreach Specialist
Learn more about clinical trials and get help finding trials in your area.
clinicaltrialsinfo@virginia.edu
434-243-4052
Clinicaltrials.gov
This is a searchable database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and internationally.
Researchmatch.org
This is an NIH-funded registry that connects people who are trying to find research studies with researchers from top medical centers across the U.S.
Talk to your healthcare provider to see if clinical trials may be an option for you.
Download the Toolkit
We have made resources to help share our information about clinical trials. These downloadable tools include the same information as this webpage, but in graphic formats that you can easily save and share. Check out the materials, learn more, and share them with others! Complete the form below to get access to the toolkit.