For participants & families
Clinical trials begin with people and questions. Learn how participation works, what to ask, and how to explore a study that may fit your life.
01 What is a clinical trial?
Clinical trials help researchers learn whether an approach to prevention, diagnosis, or treatment is safe and effective. Some studies compare a new approach with standard care or a placebo. Others follow health over time without assigning a treatment.
Start with the study’s purpose, then ask what it would mean for you.
02 Find a possible fit
Search by condition and location, then review the study’s purpose and participation criteria. Age, medical history, current treatments, and practical travel needs can all matter. A search result is a starting point for a conversation.
Finding a study does not commit you to joining it.
03 Your first conversation
Share your questions with the research team. They can explain the study, confirm whether it is accepting participants, and discuss the next review. You can ask about visit frequency, travel, language support, and how your regular doctor might be involved.
You deserve clear answers before deciding on a next step.
04 Informed consent
Before joining, the research team explains the study’s procedures, possible benefits and risks, alternatives, costs, and privacy protections. You receive information to review and time to ask questions. Consent is an ongoing conversation throughout participation.
Taking part is voluntary. You can choose not to join, or leave later.
05 Screening
Each study has specific entry requirements. Screening may include questions, medical-record review, an examination, or tests described in the consent process. Research-only screening procedures take place after the appropriate informed consent. The investigator uses the results to determine whether the study is appropriate for you.
The study team confirms eligibility. An online search cannot make that decision.
06 Study visits & follow-up
If you enroll, the team walks you through the visit schedule, study procedures, and any tasks between visits. Tell the team about changes in your health, medications, or availability. Safety monitoring and clear communication continue throughout the study.
Your research team is a point of contact when questions come up.
07 Completion & next steps
At the end of participation, ask about follow-up, access to study results, and the transition back to your usual care. If you want to leave sooner, speak with the team about how to stop safely and any recommended follow-up.
Participation is a personal choice at every stage.
Understanding study phases
Drug trials are often described in phases. The details and number of participants vary with the treatment and study design.
Researchers look closely at safety, dose, and how an investigational treatment behaves in the body.
The study gathers more information on safety and whether the treatment has the intended effect in people with the condition.
Larger studies examine benefits and risks, often comparing the treatment with an established approach or another study group.
Research after approval can examine longer-term safety, effectiveness, and use in wider populations.
Questions you can ask
Bring a family member or someone you trust to the conversation if that helps you feel prepared.
Explore available studiesIt depends on the study design. In a randomized trial, assignment may be by chance. You may receive an investigational treatment, standard care, or a placebo, depending on the protocol. Ask the team to explain your study’s groups and what each receives.
You may gain access to an approach being studied and help answer a research question, but personal benefit is not guaranteed. There may be known and unknown risks, side effects, extra visits, and time commitments. Review these with the team and your regular clinician.
Costs vary. Ask which procedures and visits the study pays for, which may be billed to you or your insurer, and whether travel or other expenses are covered. Review that information before you decide.
Some studies offer payment for time or reimbursement for travel and other expenses. Amounts, schedules, and conditions vary by study. The consent information and research team explain the details.
Yes. Participation is voluntary. You can decline or leave a study. Tell the team so they can discuss stopping study treatment safely, any follow-up, and your usual care.
Your contact details go to WGR so our team can follow up. Sending an inquiry does not enroll you. Current study availability, eligibility, and the consent process still need to be reviewed with the appropriate research team.
Take the next step at your pace
Search for studies, review the information, and ask our team about next steps.
Find a clinical trial