What Is Clinical Research?

EhrhardtLabs211Clinical research studies are trials of medical treatments using limited numbers of volunteers — people like you with an interest in helping others and contributing to new medical science.

Only when a medical treatment passes clinical trials will it be available to any patient who needs the treatment.

When people think of clinical trials, they usually think of testing new drugs, but clinical studies can also test medical devices, medical procedures, or even changes to behavior, such as changes to diet or exercise.

The purpose of the research could be to improve treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of an illness or condition.

Clinical research trials are designed to find out

  • if the treatment is effective
  • if the treatment is safe
  • how the treatment compares to alternative treatments for the same condition

Why Volunteer for Clinical Research?

Volunteers like you play the most important role in these studies because, without volunteers, there would be no clinical research studies to provide new approved medical treatments.

There are many reasons to volunteer:

  • You help others by making more effective, safer treatments possible
  • You may receive compensation for your time
  • The medical care you get for your condition within the trial is free
  • You may get the opportunity to try a new treatment for your condition (not guaranteed)

Who Pays for Clinical Research?

Clinical research is sponsored by organizations, groups, or individuals who are interested in finding out more about a treatment, such as

  • pharmaceutical companies
  • academic medical centers
  • government agencies
  • health care providers
  • non-profit health organizations

See Featured Partners for some of the sponsors who have funded studies at Ehrhardt Clinical Research.

Is Clinical Research Safe?

Clinical studies are strictly organized and regulated to ensure the welfare of the volunteers and the accuracy of the results.

Each clinical trial is

  • set up within a structured plan called a protocol, that is designed by the sponsor
  • required to follow regulations enforced by Office of Human Research Protections in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA (if a drug is being tested)
  • conducted by medical doctors, known as investigators, who lead teams of qualified medical personnel
  • monitored by an institutional review board called an IRB, an independent committee of physicians, researchers, and professionals, whose purpose is to protect volunteer welfare and ensure that the trial is conducted ethically

How Do You Volunteer?

Please complete our Volunteer Interest Form if you are interested in participating in clinical research.