Healthy volunteers are also needed so that researchers can compare their results to results of people with the illness being studied. Some studies do not involve testing medications and a person’s regular medications may not need to be changed. Many people believe that all clinical research involves testing of new medications or devices. Post-marketing studies, which are conducted after a treatment is approved for use by the FDA, provide additional information including the treatment or drug’s risks, benefits, and best use.Įxamples of other kinds of clinical research Researchers confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the experimental drug or treatment to be used safely. The experimental study drug or treatment is given to large groups of people. The experimental drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety. The researchers evaluate the treatment’s safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects. Researchers test an experimental drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time. The trials at each phase have a different purpose and help scientists answer different questions. Clinical trials are often conducted in four phases. Phases of clinical trials: when clinical research is used to evaluate medications and devicesĬlinical trials are a kind of clinical research designed to evaluate and test new interventions such as psychotherapy or medications. Be sure to ask the researchers what their study requires. Some is “inpatient,” meaning that participants will need to stay for at least one night in the hospital or research center. This may lead to development of tailor-made treatments based on a patient’s genetic make-up.Įpidemiological studies seek to identify the patterns, causes, and control of disorders in groups of people.Īn important note: some clinical research is “outpatient,” meaning that participants do not stay overnight at the hospital.

Research in this area may explore ways in which a person’s genes make him or her more or less likely to develop a disorder. Genetic studies aim to improve the prediction of disorders by identifying and understanding how genes and illnesses may be related. Quality of Life Research explores ways to improve comfort and the quality of life for individuals with a chronic illness.

Screening Research aims to find the best ways to detect certain disorders or health conditions. Different kinds of prevention research may study medicines, vitamins, vaccines, minerals, or lifestyle changes.ĭiagnostic Research refers to the practice of looking for better ways to identify a particular disorder or condition. Prevention Research looks for better ways to prevent disorders from developing or returning. Treatment Research generally involves an intervention such as medication, psychotherapy, new devices, or new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy.

Clinical studies