Global Medical Institutes, LLC

Participation in Clinical Trials I Glossary I General Information on Clinical Trials

An Introduction to Clinical Trials
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. The following frequently asked questions provide introductory information about clinical trials. In addition, it is often helpful to talk to a physician, family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. After identifying some trial options, the next step is to contact the study research staff and ask questions about specific trials.
»  What is a clinical trial?
»  Why participate in a clinical trial?
»  Where do the ideas for trials come from?
»  Who sponsors clinical trials?
»  What is a protocol?
»  What is a placebo?
»  What is a control or control group?
»  What are the different types of clinical trials?
»  What are the phases of clinical trials?

Who sponsors clinical trials?

Clinical trials are sponsored or funded by a variety of organizations or individuals such as physicians, medical institutions, foundations, voluntary groups, and pharmaceutical companies, in addition to federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA). Trials can take place in a variety of locations, such as hospitals, universities, doctors' offices, or community clinics.