What questions can help me make an informed decision about participating in clinical research?

Here are some questions you may want to ask before joining a clinical research study. You can share what you learn with your loved ones and your medical providers. They can help you think about whether to participate — but ultimately, the decision is yours.

This tool will save the questions you choose so you can look back at them later.

What can I expect during the study?

• What are the possible risks of participating in the study?
• What is the time commitment for participating in the study?
• Will I have to travel to participate in the study?
• Will I get an investigational product like a study drug as part of the study?
• What kind of information do I need to share with the research team?
• How will the research team protect my information?
• Will I need to have any medical tests during the study? If so, will I find out my results?

How will the study affect my health care?

• Can I keep seeing my regular doctors during the study?
• Will you communicate with my doctors and let them know how I’m doing?
• Can I keep taking my current medicines while I’m participating in the study?

Are there any costs?

• Do I need to have health insurance to participate in the study?
• Will I be paid back for costs related to the study, like travel, lodging, meals, or parking costs?

What happens after the study?

• Can I keep using the investigational product after the study ends?
• Will you tell me the results of the study?
• Will you tell me if I was taking the actual study drug?