If you have a severe or chronic illness, participating in a clinical trial-research to evaluate a new treatment-may offer you a chance to improve and extend your life.
You may have already heard or read about a clinical trial at Lahey and want to learn more. Or you may be just starting to explore this option. To see descriptions of studies at Lahey, click on What's New in Research or Ongoing Clinical Trials. Here you can find out about current research and whom to contact for additional information.
How Do I Learn More?
Before signing up for a study, find out as much as you can about it. First, call or e-mail the contact person and ask for details about the clinical trial. You should receive materials that include
- A description and objective of the study
- The name of the study sponsor
- Specific patient volunteer criteria
- The length of the study
- Approximate time commitments, which include required tests, routine and follow-up appointments
Carefully read over the materials and see if you are eligible to participate. For general questions, visit the Frequently Asked Questions [link] section of this Web site. If you have specific questions or concerns, call the contact person for the study. Also talk it over with your primary care physician and family or friends, and weigh the potential risks and benefits.
How Do I Join the Study?
To become a patient volunteer, follow these steps:
- Call or e-mail the contact person. He or she will set up an appointment for you to meet with the principal investigator (PI), the doctor in charge of the study.
- Meet with the PI, who will further explain the study and answer any questions.
- If required, take additional tests. Once the results are evaluated, you will be told if you qualify for the study.
- Sign an "Informed Consent" form, which means you agree to participate in the clinical trial and that the medical facts have been explained to you. You also understand who is sponsoring the study and the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.
- Set up an appointment schedule with a clinical research associate (CRA) from the Research Department. This CRA will be your "personal guide" throughout the study process.
