1. What are the potential benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
Gain access to new drugs and other treatment, sometimes years before they are widely available.
Be monitored closely for any side effects.
Have the chance to take an active role in your healthcare.
You will be making a valuable contribution to liver disease research.
2. Do I have to pay to participate in a clinical trial?
Patients generally do not have to pay out-of-pocket costs for treatments studied as part of a trial. Every trial is different, but in most cases, the clinical trial’s sponsor pays for all research-related costs and any special testing.
3. How do I know if I am eligible to join a trial?
All clinical trials have guidelines spelling out who can participate, these are called “eligibility criteria.” The factors that allow you to participate in a clinical trial can include age, gender, type and stage of your disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions.
4. At what point during the treatment can I join a clinical trial?
You can look for clinical trials at any time during your care, from first diagnosis onward. At AZ Liver Health, we encourage patients to consider a clinical trial if there’s one that’s right for them.
5. Can I quit a clinical trial?
Joining a trial is always voluntary, you have the right stop participating in a clinical trial at any time for any reason.
6. What is informed consent?
Informed consent is the process of learning about the clinical trial before you decide to take part in it. The research team running the trial will explain the trial’s purpose, how long it will take, what will happen, all potential risks and benefits, and information on the privacy of your medical records.
If you want to participate, you will sign a consent form that details all of the information that has been discussed with the research team. You will be able to take that form home and refer to it at any time. Even though you have signed the consent form, you still have the right to leave the study at any time and for any reason.
Informed consent continues throughout the trial. This will give the research team an opportunity to update you on the progress of the trial as well as any side effects or other risks that have been identified.
