Clinical Trials
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Clinical Trials

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Patient Rights Guide

Every time you take a pill, whether an antibiotic or a vitamin, you reap the benefits of years of medical research. Most people agree that research is essential for the development of new treatments and cures. For the victims of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, or heart disease, research can’t be done fast enough.

Your participation in clinical research

If you have been approached by a staff member of DHMC to participate in medication research or a clinical trial, it is important that you are fully aware of what that involves. Before you answer the question for yourself, we'd like to help you take a closer look at how clinical trials work.

  • To learn background information about human participation in medical research, read about clinical trials.

  • To learn about the safeguards in place to protect you in clinical trials and how these trials are approved here at DHMC, read about the Institutional Review Board (IRB), also known as the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects.

Making the decision

If you are willing to take part in a study, we want you to carefully review the risks of participation and weigh these risks against the possible benefits. Read a summary of risks and benefits.

Know exactly what is expected of you before you sign the Consent Form. Please keep in mind that you should never feel pressured to participate in a clinical trial. Read about the process of Informed Consent.

If you are thinking of participating in a clinical trial, ask lots of questions. Read a list of questions to ask the research team.

Summary

Clinical trials are necessary for the advancement of medical knowledge. These trials provide information about many diseases and their treatment. Most people who participate in research hope that the information from the research will improve treatment for a particular condition and provide benefit to society.

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