What is a Clinical Study
At Miami Clinical Research, we’re dedicated to helping the public better understand medical research and its impact on everyday healthcare. While the term “clinical trial” is often used in popular media, many people aren’t as familiar with the term “clinical study” — or how it differs from a clinical trial.
This page will answer that key question: What is a clinical study? We’ll walk through the definition, how it works, the differences between clinical studies and clinical trials, and what participants can expect.
Understanding Clinical Studies
A clinical study is a research project that investigates how diseases develop, progress, or respond to treatment in humans. It is an umbrella term that includes both clinical trials (interventional) and observational studies.
While clinical trials focus on testing new treatments or procedures, clinical studies may also gather long-term health data, observe disease patterns, or evaluate risk factors — all without necessarily administering new drugs or interventions.
Primary Goal:
To collect medical information from human participants in a controlled, ethical, and systematic way, leading to better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
Clinical Studies vs Clinical Trials: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get at Miami Clinical Research: “What’s the difference between a clinical study and a clinical trial?”
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Feature | Clinical Study | Clinical Trial |
Definition | Broad term covering all medical research involving human participants | A subset of clinical studies that involve testing a specific intervention |
Purpose | Can be observational or interventional | Specifically tests safety and effectiveness of treatments |
Intervention | May or may not involve a treatment or procedure | Always involves an intervention being tested |
Examples | Tracking disease patterns in populations | Testing a new cancer drug |
In short, all clinical trials are clinical studies — but not all clinical studies are clinical trials.
Types of Clinical Studies
Clinical studies are typically categorized into two major types: interventional and observational.
1. Interventional Studies (Clinical Trials)
These involve assigning participants to receive one or more medical interventions (like a drug, device, or procedure) and measuring outcomes.
- Example: A study that compares two diabetes medications to see which lowers blood sugar more effectively.
2. Observational Studies
In these studies, researchers observe participants and measure outcomes without giving any specific treatment or intervention.
Example: A study that follows patients with high cholesterol over five years to observe heart disease outcomes.
Why Are Clinical Studies Important?
Clinical studies are essential for the advancement of medicine and public health. Here’s why:
- Understanding Diseases: They help us learn how diseases begin and progress.
- Improving Care: They identify which approaches work best for different patient populations.
- Developing Guidelines: Evidence from clinical studies often informs national or international medical guidelines.
- Evaluating Risks: Observational studies can help identify environmental or genetic factors contributing to disease.
At Miami Clinical Research, we carefully design our clinical studies to meet ethical standards while contributing meaningful knowledge to the scientific community.
Who Conducts Clinical Studies?
Clinical studies are typically conducted by:
- Academic medical centers
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
- Dedicated research organizations (like Miami Clinical Research)
Our site is equipped with the latest technology, trained clinical researchers, and ethical review processes to ensure participant safety and reliable data collection.
Who Can Participate?
Participation in a clinical study depends on specific eligibility criteria set by the research protocol. These criteria ensure that the study results are scientifically accurate and that participants are protected.
Typical Criteria:
- Age
- Gender
- Medical history
- Specific diagnosis
- Stage of disease
- Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, diet)
Before joining any study, participants go through a screening process to see if they qualify. At Miami Clinical Research, we help match individuals with studies that fit their health profiles and goals.
What to Expect as a Participant
Every study is unique, but here’s what participants can generally expect in a clinical study:
1. Informed Consent
You’ll be given detailed information about the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. You must voluntarily sign an informed consent form before participating.
2. Health Assessments
These may include lab tests, physical exams, questionnaires, or imaging studies depending on the study’s focus.
3. Follow-Up
Some studies may involve only one visit; others may require several visits over weeks, months, or even years.
4. Data Collection
Researchers will collect data such as blood pressure readings, lab results, lifestyle information, or symptom changes.
Note: You have the right to withdraw from a study at any time, for any reason.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Benefits:
- Contributing to medical science
- Helping future patients
- Potential early detection of health issues
- Access to expert medical monitoring
Risks:
- Possible discomfort from procedures or data collection
- Privacy concerns (though studies follow HIPAA protections)
- Time commitment
At Miami Clinical Research, we always prioritize your comfort, privacy, and well-being. All studies undergo ethical review by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to minimize risk and protect your rights.
Examples of Clinical Studies
Here are some examples of real-world clinical studies:
- COVID-19 Surveillance Studies: Observed how the virus spread in different populations.
- Heart Health Tracking: Monitored cholesterol and blood pressure levels in various age groups.
- Longitudinal Cancer Studies: Tracked cancer survivors to understand recurrence and quality of life.
- Genetic Risk Studies: Observed families with a history of diabetes to understand genetic links.
Many of the studies at Miami Clinical Research focus on conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular health — with both treatment and observational options available.
Why Choose Miami Clinical Research?
We’re proud to be a trusted research facility in the heart of Miami. Here’s why patients, sponsors, and healthcare providers choose us:
- Expert Research Team: Experienced investigators and certified coordinators.
- Diverse Participant Pool: We welcome patients from all backgrounds, reflecting the vibrant culture of Miami.
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Modern infrastructure designed for safe and efficient research.
- Patient-Focused Approach: Transparent communication, convenient scheduling, and a welcoming environment.
Whether you’re a patient looking to contribute or a sponsor searching for a reliable research partner, we’re here to make clinical research accessible, ethical, and impactful.
Get Involved
Are you interested in participating in a clinical study in Miami? Contact our team to learn about current opportunities that may match your health profile. Your involvement could help pave the way for the next medical breakthrough.
Visit our homepage or call our office to speak with a friendly staff member. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Miami Clinical Research
📍 680 Coral Way Suite #400, Miami, FL. 33155
📧 Email: info@bpr.440.myftpupload.com
📞 Phone: 786-756-6954
🌐 Website: www.miamiclinicalresearch.com