Participating In A Clinical Trial

Clinical trials create opportunities for you as a patient, and in some cases, for thousands of others in the future.

Researchers and doctors organize clinical trials (also known as drug studies) in an effort to find better ways to treat health problems. The goal of a drug study is to compare the most accepted forms of treatment with new medication doctors hope will be better.

Many types of clinical trials exist, and each study has its own requirements for participation. If you meet the criteria for a trial, it is your decision whether or not to enroll. LifeLink's clinical trials are completely voluntary, and often, participants are interested in benefitting others by contributing to medical research.

The safety of clinical trials is ensured by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who require committees made up of doctors, nurses, statisticians, researchers and community advocates for all studies. These committees, known as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), monitor the progress of studies.

LifeLink’s clinical trial coordinators specialize in the care of study participants. They will likely be first to contact you regarding participation. The nursing team will ensure you understand specific study criteria as well as significant risks, benefits and alternatives, and will formally enroll you in a study once you consent to participate.

After you decide to take part in a trial, initial laboratory work may consist of a blood draw, urinalysis, EKG or other diagnostic testing. You’ll be in regular contact with the clinical trial coordinators. Throughout the study period, a doctor known as the Principal Investigator, additional physicians called co-investigators, and the nursing team will monitor your progress.

Your medical care and personal comfort remain top priorities while you participate in a trial.

LifeLink protects clinical trial participants through careful selection and working cooperatively and openly with the IRB as the study progresses.

“Informed consent” - the process of keeping participants aware of all risks, benefits and updates related to the trial - ensures you are fully educated about your treatment. Additionally, LifeLink protects your privacy to the fullest extent of the law and will maintain your confidentiality unless disclosure of your identity is required by law.

In the event you decide to withdraw from the trial, medical staff assigned to your study will help you halt your participation safely.

History Of The Clinical Trial

The first clinical trial took place at sea, in the mid-1700s. While serving in the British Navy, J.A. Lind conducted experiments to effectively treat scurvy on-board the H.M.S. Salisbury. Today, as a result of Lind’s work, thousands of people have increasingly higher chances of prolonging their health and beating their disease.

LifeLink conducts numerous clinical trials to benefit patients. Our team of dedicated trial coordinators are available to answer questions and guide you through the entire process. Please call us to discuss your participation in a clinical trial.

LifeLink Healthcare Institute (813) 251-8017

For more information about LifeLink studies click here.

Additional information, including the regulation of clinical trials and specific study details, can be found at www.fda.gov.

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