Back to Interventional Clinical Trials
The following are some potential questions to frame your discussion with a clinician and determine expectations before, during and after a clinical trial.
This is not a complete list, it is meant to give you some ideas on what you might like to ask when consulting a clinician. We suggest you choose the questions that are most important to you and think of more questions you may wish to ask.
About this trial
Participating
- What exactly is a clinical trial?
- What clinical trials are available for me to participate in?
- Why do you think participating is a good idea for me?
- Is there someone I can talk to who has been in the trial?
- How long will the appointments be?
- How often will I have appointments?
Details of the trial
- What do the researchers hope to achieve from this trial?
- Why do the researchers believe that the treatment being studied may be better than the one being used now? Why may it not be better?
- Can you provide information about this trial that I can review with my family doctor?
Technical Questions
- What does informed consent mean?
- What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?
- If I experience improvement during the treatment will I have access to the drug after the trial?
- Will I be told about the trial’s results?
- Will it be possible to continue receiving the treatment “off label” if it is shown to be effective?
- How long do I have to make up my mind about joining this trial?
- Who will know if I am on a placebo or the actual treatment?
- What are the exclusions that would prevent me from participating in this trial?
- Can I or should I bring a support person/ family member to my clinical trial appointments?
- How long, if I choose to participant, will I be involved in this clinical trial?
Point of Contact Questions
- Who can I speak with about questions I have during and after the trial?
- Who will be in charge of my care?
Risks and Benefits
- What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?
- What are the possible benefits?
- How do the possible risks and benefits of this trial compare to those of the standard treatment?
- What are my rights as a participant?
- How will my health information be kept private?
- What happens if I decide to leave the trial?
Costs
- Where is the clinical trial located?
- Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
- Will my travel expenses be covered?
- What is the process for reimbursement?
- Who pays if I’m injured in the trial?
- Who can help answer any questions from my insurance company?
How will this affect me?
- Will information be shared with my family doctor or specialist?
- How could the trial affect my daily life?
- How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?
- Will I have to stay in the hospital during the clinical trial? If so, how often and for how long?
- Will I have check-ups after the trial?
- How would participating in this clinical trial affect my ability to participate in other trials at the same time or at a later date?
- Are there any dietary restrictions or instructions for this trial?
- Will the treatment prevent me from working or participating in regular activities?
- What if I have side effects? Who do I call? Which ones are serious and need immediate attention?
Treatment Choices
- What are my other treatment choices, including standard treatments?
- How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?
- What will happen without treatment?
