Questions To Ask Your Doctor
People who are interested in being part of a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial, here are some questions that you should ask before making a decision.
- Should I participate in this trial?
- Is this trial right for me?
- Why is this clinical trial being done?
- Why do the doctors who designed the trial believe that this treatment being studied may be better than the one being used now?
- Why may it not be better? How long will I be in the trial?
- What kinds of tests and treatments are involved in this trial?
- What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment and any medications?
- How will the doctor know if the treatment is working?
- Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
- What costs will my health insurance cover?
- How could the trial affect my daily life?
- How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?
- Will I have to travel long distances?
- What are my other treatment choices, including standard treatments?
- How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?