About clinical studies

What to expect

Clinical studies are any studies that involve people.

There are two main types:

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Observational

Researchers track health status
over time in groups of participants
to look for patterns that help us
better understand a disease

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Interventional

Participants receive specific
treatment such as a new
medication or behavioral
changes, like diet.

Steps to begin
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1: Find a trial

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2: Talk to your doctor

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3: Determine eligibility

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4: Learn about the study

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5: Sign forms

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6: Make it happen

Good questions to ask about all clinical studies:

  • Why is the study being done?
  • How many different hospitals are involved in the study
  • Who is supporting the study?
    (such as the NIH or a drug company)
  • How do I know if I am eligible?
  • How long will the study last?
  • What will happen to me when I'm in the study?
  • Will I need to miss school or work if I join the study?
  • How often will I have to come in for visits?
  • Can the study be combined with the regular visits
    to my kidney doctor?
  • Will the study pay for travel, parking, or my time?
  • Will I get to know the results of the study?

Additional questions about interventional studies:

  • Is this the right time to think about changing treatments
    for my kidney disease?
  • What is the treatment?
  • Does my doctor think I would benefit from being
    in the study and why?
  • Are there side effects of the medication or
    any other risks in being in the study?
  • Does everyone in the study get the treatment or are some
    patients assigned to no treatment? (often called placebo)
  • Can I continue with the treatment when the study ends?

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