Talking with Your Doctor About Clinical Trials

Do not hesitate to ask the following or any additional questions of the research team and/or healthcare professional associated with the clinical trial. You may want to bring a family member or caregiver with you to help make sure all of your questions are answered.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor (or Research Team)

• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who is going to be in the study? Inclusion and exclusion selection criteria?
• How long will the study last?
• What will happen at the end of the study?
• What kinds of tests and exams will I be taking in the study? How much time do these take? What is involved in each test?
• Does the study compare standard and experimental treatments or will there be a “placebo”?
• How often does the study require me to go to the doctor or clinic?
• Will I be hospitalized? If so, how often and for how long?
• Who will be in charge of my care?
• How will you keep my doctor informed about my participation in the trial?
• What are the costs to me? Will my health insurance pay for it?
• Will I be reimbursed for other expenses (e.g. parking fees, gas)?
• What type of follow-up care is part of this study?
• What are my other treatment choices (i.e. is there a current standard of care for my condition)? How do they compare with the treatment being studied?
• What side effects can I expect from the treatment being tested? How do they compare with the side effects of the standard treatment?
• How might this trial affect my daily life?
• How will I know that the treatment is working? Will the results of the trials be provided to me?
• If I withdraw, will this affect my normal care?