Interventional trials
Participants receive a study treatment, procedure, or program and outcomes are measured.
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Resources
Educational content to help you understand clinical trials and make informed decisions.
What you should know about clinical trials
A plain-English guide to help you decide confidently.
Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. They help doctors learn whether a new approach is safe and effective.
Every trial follows a detailed plan, is reviewed by independent experts, and includes steps to protect participants’ rights and safety.
What is a clinical trial?
Trials answer specific questions about a treatment, device, or care approach. Some involve taking a study medication or using a device; others observe health over time without changing your usual care.
Phases timeline
- Phase 1
Safety & dose in first human studies
~20–100 people
- Phase 2
Does the treatment work for this condition?
~100–300 people
- Phase 3
Compare to standard care before approval
~1,000–3,000 people
- Phase 4
Real-world safety after approval
Hundreds to thousands
Types of studies
Observational studies
Researchers collect health information but do not assign a treatment.
SurveyRegistryFollow-up
Safety & oversight
- Independent review — IRBs approve and monitor trials.
- Informed consent — Risks, benefits, and alternatives explained clearly.
- Continuous monitoring — Safety is reviewed throughout the study.
- Right to withdraw — You can stop at any time without penalty.
Costs & compensation
Study treatment cost
Typically $0 for participants.
Research costs
Often covered by the sponsor.
Travel support
May be available for visits.
Routine care
May be billed to insurance—ask what’s covered.
Why participate?
Access to new options
Sometimes available before wider release.
Experienced teams
Care from specialists in your condition.
Extra monitoring
Structured follow-up and support.
Helps future patients
Contribute to research and better care.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get a placebo instead of real treatment?
Some trials use a placebo to compare results. You’ll be told if a placebo is possible and what that means for your care before you decide.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Yes. Participation is voluntary. You can stop at any time without losing access to your usual medical care.
Will it cost me anything?
Study treatments are not billed to participants. Many research-related costs are covered. Ask the study team about coverage, travel support, and any compensation.
How is my safety protected?
Trials are reviewed by independent ethics boards. You’ll sign an informed consent form that explains risks and benefits, and your health is monitored throughout the study.
What happens if I qualify?
You’ll complete consent, then a screening visit or call. If eligibility is confirmed, the team will schedule your first study visit and explain the timeline.
Do trials offer remote or telehealth visits?
Many do. Some studies are fully remote; others are hybrid with occasional clinic visits. The study team will outline what to expect.
Glossary
Tap or hover to see quick definitions for common terms.
Informed consentPlaceboRandomizedControl groupEligibility criteria
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