Research studies are critical in the progress and advancement of diseases and disorders and finding their cures and best treatment methods.
Research studies are an important step in discovering new treatments for diseases as well as new ways to detect, diagnose and reduce the risk of the disease.
Clinical trials show researchers what does and does not work in people participating in the research. These studies also help doctors and researchers to decide if the side effects associated with the new method of treatment are acceptable when compared against the benefits that the new treatment offers.
Researchers don’t know what the results of their studies will be, if they did, they wouldn’t have to go through all the trouble to conduct the study. This uncertainty can cause many potential participants to take pause before consenting to participate in a trial.
The number of cases in which clinical trials have adversely effected patients is small as such occurrences are extremely rare. In fact, there are hundreds of thousands of people who have been helped and are alive and well because others chose to participate in a trial that resulted in new and more effective treatments for their disease or condition.
While the importance of clinical trials cannot be understated, it is important to understand that the decision to participate in a study is very personal and depends on each person’s unique situation.
Some research studies are conducted on participants with a certain disease, such as breast cancer. While other studies require that the participant be of good health.
As with any medical treatment, it is important that anyone considering participation consult with their doctor beforehand to discuss the potential benefits and risks associated so that you can make the best, most informed decision for you.
Over the years, research studies have helped the medical field with everything from developing vaccines that have eliminated childhood diseases to finding drugs that safely reduce cancer symptoms. Without willing participants, researchers would not be able to unveil their discoveries and make them available to the public.
There is a lot of work and research that goes into new treatments and medicines before they are even eligible to make it to the clinical trial stage. In fact, it is estimated that about 1,000 potential medicines are tested extensively before one of them makes it to the research study phase.
On average, new medicines and treatments are tested for between 5-8 years before a clinical trial is conducted to test them on humans. This knowledge should help potential participants rest easy knowing that they are not being human Guinea pigs for a fly by night treatment, they are testing a treatment that has been extensively researched and thoroughly tested for years.
The advancement of the medical field relies on successful research studies to continue its advancement. Scientists have made major breakthroughs over the past few decades and with today’s technology, we are on course to find cures to our biggest, deadliest diseases.
