Clinical trials help to advance medical knowledge and patient care. They are an excellent way of discovering new treatment methods for diseases, as well as new ways to diagnose and minimize the chance of developing the disease. Clinical trials allow researchers to know what can and can’t work in humans that can’t be learned using animals or in a laboratory.
While clinical trials are critical, participating in one depends on your unique situation and willingness to take part. Together with your doctor, you should weigh the advantages against the risks and decide whether to participate or not. Here, we will discuss five reasons why you consider participating in a clinical trial.
1. Clinical trials are necessary
Scientific research is necessary to advance our understanding of the human body and mind. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to evaluate the impact of our interventions on the health conditions that affect us. Scientists in government laboratories, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical trial companies like H Clinical work hard to design clinical trials that assess the safety and effectiveness of therapies and medications that may someday be used to treat the patient population. Volunteering in a clinical trial hoping that the drug or therapy may be used to treat other people is a major contribution to society.
2. Access to new drugs and therapy
Participating in a clinical trial gives you access to experimental treatment methods. The first phase of a clinical trial is used to determine if a drug is safe, and the second phase is used to determine if the drug is effective. The third and final phase of a clinical is used to determine if the drug is safe and effective. Participating in one or more of the three phases gives access to a new therapy, which can help to improve your condition if the experimental drug is safe and effective.
3. Receive enhanced medical attention during and after the clinical trial
A clinical trial is a collaborative process between scientific researchers, patients, clinicians, and ethical bodies to ensure participants’ rights are protected. Once you are enrolled in a clinical trial, you are carefully observed, meaning you get to see your healthcare team more often and experience benefits that you wouldn’t in an approved standard treatment.
4. They can save your loved ones
If you are ailing from a genetic condition, participating in a clinical trial could end up helping your family members by making new treatment methods available. That clinical trial could even be the one that results in a cure.
5. You get to participate in your treatment journey
By opting to participate in a clinical trial, you are taking an active role in your healthcare. In addition, you get to advocate for the issues that are important to you and the patient community which helps the researchers and clinicians to understand the disease better.
Endnote
Participating in a clinical trial can be a satisfying and worthwhile experience. Apart from accessing new drugs and enhanced medical care, it is also an excellent opportunity to contribute positively to our society.