Research FAQs

Participating in a clinical trial is a significant personal choice, and like any medical procedure, it comes with important questions to consider. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones.

  • Clinical trials are medical studies involving people to find safe and effective ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases.

    These trials start with lab research and, if promising, move on to testing in people. Trials go through phases to assess the treatment's safety and effectiveness. Eligibility criteria determine who can join, including children, adults, healthy volunteers, and patients from diverse backgrounds.

    Each trial follows a protocol outlining participant activities and expectations. Understanding the risks and benefits is crucial before participating, and participants have rights and protections throughout the process.

  • Treatment studies: Test experimental treatments like new drugs, devices, or approaches to surgery and radiation therapy.

    Behavioral studies: Examine specific behaviors through participant interviews or observations.

    Observational studies: Collect and review medical history, blood samples, and other data to learn more about diseases or conditions.

    Diagnostic studies: Develop better tests or procedures for diagnosing diseases or conditions.

  • - Ask questions.

    - Attend all scheduled appointments.

    - Follow the researchers' instructions.

    - Keep contact information up to date.

    - Store study materials securely and out of children's reach.

    - Inform researchers of any new medications, including homeopathic, prescribed, or over-the-counter.

    - Notify your pediatrician about your child's participation in the study.

    - Report all illnesses or injuries during the study, even if unrelated.

  • Informed consent ensures you have all the necessary information about a clinical trial before deciding to participate. Medical professionals will explain the details and answer your questions. You will receive an informed consent document outlining the study's purpose, duration, procedures, risks, and potential benefits. You decide whether to sign the document, indicating you reviewed and understood its content. It is not a contract, and you may withdraw from the trial at any time.

  • Participants often join clinical trials through referrals from their physicians, but this isn't always the case. It is helpful to discuss the decision to join a clinical trial with your physician, family members, and friends.

  • Some studies compensate participants for their time and inconvenience, while others do not. Typically, expenses such as travel costs or parking for clinic visits are reimbursed. During the informed consent process, a member of the study team will discuss any available compensation and reimbursements.

  • All research protocols conducted at Epic Medical Research undergo thorough examination and review by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of individuals participating in research activities. It ensures that all research conducted is safe, ethical, and scientifically valuable.

  • Participating in clinical trials can help determine a treatment's effectiveness, safe dosages, and potential side effects of a new drug. Additionally, you gain the satisfaction of knowing your involvement may lead to future advancements that benefit others.

  • All medical procedures, including proven treatments, carry risks. Each clinical trial is unique, but the anticipated risks will be discussed with potential participants during the informed consent process.

  • Requirements vary by study. Participants must meet specific eligibility and screening criteria beforehand.

    If eligible, an initial screening exam will be conducted, during which an informed consent document will be reviewed with the parent or guardian. Once enrolled, participants typically need to visit for examinations or treatments as part of the regimen. Contact us to find about your eligibility.

  • The identity of research study participants is kept confidential. Scientific publications resulting from the research will not identify participants without specific prior approval.

  • Medical information collected during a study, including test or procedure results affecting your care, may be added to your medical record. This information will be accessible to health care providers and authorized persons, including your insurance company. The researcher will inform you of specific organizations that may review or copy your medical records for research, quality assurance, and data analysis. Information about you or your participation will not be disclosed unless included in the Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information for Research Purposes.

  • Some studies compensate participants for their time and inconvenience, while others do not. Typically, expenses such as travel costs or parking for clinic visits are reimbursed. During the informed consent process, a member of the study team will discuss any available compensation and reimbursements.

  • Epic Medical Research currently has various ongoing studies. To find out if there is a trial suitable for you or a family member, please contact us at 972-777-6956 and ask for Clinical Trials. There, you can find brief descriptions of all current studies available for participation.

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