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The patient journey through a clinical trial

When you agree to participate in a clinical trial, you will first meet with a study team. They will ask you questions about your health and medical history. They will also explain the details of the clinical trial, including possible risks and benefits of the study drug, and what you will need to do during the trial. This helps you understand what to expect before you decide to take part. As part of the clinical trial process, you will undergo screening to confirm that you are eligible to participate and give written permission and access to your personal health information.

Once enrolled, you will follow a set schedule of appointments to receive study treatment and have regular checkups to monitor your health and how well the treatment is working. Throughout the trial, you will work with study nurses and doctors who will closely track your progress and manage any side effects. You will be able to contact the study team between visits if you have concerns. You will also have the right to leave the trial at any time without penalty.

Care partners can play an important role in supporting you during a clinical trial. While it is not required, having someone to help you with appointments, daily tasks, or emotional support can make the experience more manageable and comfortable.

To learn more about how a care partner can support someone in a clinical trial, access the care partner information.

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How to approach your doctor about participating in a clinical trial

Participating in a clinical trial is a significant decision. Before agreeing to participate in a clinical trial, it is important to discuss the trial with your doctor to understand how it fits with your overall treatment plan and to ask about time commitments, potential costs, and effects on your daily life.

If you think a clinical trial is right for you, you can ask your doctor about it. During discussions with your doctor, we recommend that you take notes, ask for clarification when needed, and consider bringing a supportive family member or friend.

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Eligibility requirements

Each clinical trial has specific requirements about who can participate. These requirements are called eligibility criteria and are based on several factors including age, sex, type of disease, stage of disease, previous medical and treatment history, and other medical conditions. The study team determines whether you qualify to participate in a clinical trial.

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Informed consent

Participating in a clinical trial is completely voluntary but requires you to sign an “Informed Consent” form giving permission for the study team to access your health records and for additional screening. The informed consent process makes sure that you understand the study’s purpose, risks, and potential benefits before agreeing to participate. It also explains what will happen during the study, so you know what to expect if you choose to participate. A consent form typically includes information about doctor visits, possible risks and benefits of the study drug, how long the study will last, your rights as a participant, any costs or payments involved as a participant, and whom to contact with questions or concerns.

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Screening visit

During a clinical trial screening visit, you will meet with the study team who will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and often conduct various tests (such as blood work or scans) to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the study. The team will explain the trial in detail and answer all your questions. After the screening visit, there may be a waiting period while the team reviews your test results to confirm your eligibility before your actual trial participation begins.

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Study participation

Throughout a clinical trial, patients work closely with a specialized study team who provides ongoing support, manages side effects, and tracks progress. Participating in a clinical trial might give you access to a treatment that may not be available to people outside the study. Although there is no guarantee of personal benefit, participation contributes valuable knowledge that may help future volunteers or patients.

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End of treatment

At the end of a clinical trial treatment, you will have a final doctor visit where the study team will conduct full evaluations including scans, blood tests, and physical exams to document your response to the study treatment.

The study team will discuss your next steps, which may include transitioning back to standard care, monitoring visits, or potentially enrolling in another trial. You will also receive information about any follow-up appointments needed to check long-term effects. The study team will provide contact information to use in case you experience any new or worsening symptoms after completing the trial.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about clinical trials.

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Glossary

C

Care partner: This can be a family member, close friend, trusted individual, or hired helper who provides ongoing support to an individual participating in a clinical trial. Care partners play a collaborative and involved role in both decision-making and practical assistance such as helping with daily activities, appointments, medication schedules, and symptom tracking, as well as providing emotional support throughout the clinical trial process.

E

Eligibility criteria: The rules that decide who can participate in a clinical trial. These rules may include things like your age, type of disease, stage of illness, past treatments, and overall health. They help make sure the study is safe and that the results will be accurate.

F

Follow-up: Part of a clinical trial that happens after you finish treatment. It includes regular check-ins with the study team—like visits, phone calls, or tests—to see how you are doing, watch for side effects, and track how well the treatment may work over time.

I

Informed consent: Process of learning about a clinical trial before deciding whether to participate. You will get clear information about the purpose of the study, the treatments involved, possible risks and benefits, and your rights as a participant. It will also explain what will happen during the study, so you know what to expect if you choose to participate. You will only sign the consent form if you understand the details and agree to take part—participating is always voluntary.

P

Personal health information: Details about your health and medical care, like your name, date of birth, medical history, test results, and treatments you have received.

S

Screening: The step before officially participating in a clinical trial. During screening, the study team will do tests, ask questions, and review your medical history to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. This helps make sure that you are a good fit for the study.

Side effects: Unwanted or unexpected symptoms that can happen during or after receiving treatment. They can be mild, like feeling tired or having a headache, or more serious, depending on the treatment. In a clinical trial, all side effects are carefully watched and recorded.

Study drug: The investigational medicine(s) or investigational treatment(s) being tested in a clinical trial. It may be a drug that is not approved yet or a drug that is already used for other diseases but is now being tested in a new way or for a different disease/condition. The study drug is given to see how safe it is and how well it works.

T

Treatment plan: A detailed summary of the care you will receive during a clinical trial. It includes information like the type of treatment, how and when it will be given (such as pills, intravenous infusion, or shots), how long the treatment will last, and what tests or checkups will be done along the way. Your treatment plan helps guide your care.

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