Clinical Trial Myth-Busting: Identifying Fact from Fiction

Have you ever considered participating in a clinical trial? Most people hear the expression “clinical trial” and picture people in white lab coats and poorly treated test subjects. This is far from reality!

Here at Clara Health, we are determined to set the record straight when it comes to clinical trials, as we firmly believe that studies like these hold the key to medical breakthroughs. We work with patients and caregivers who have gone through a clinical trial to help spread the word about what the experience is really like, from a patient perspective.

Before we get into busting myths, you might be asking, what exactly is a clinical trial? In a nutshell, clinical trials are research studies in which volunteers try a promising new treatment option to help determine how effective the it is.

Clinical Trial Myth: Trial treatments aren’t “ready” for use.

Reality: Before being tested in a clinical trial, drugs first have to be discovered, purified, detailed, and tested in labs. Of all the potential treatments that are tested in these early stages, very few are promising enough move on to a clinical trial. There are also many phases of clinical trials, as new treatments typically stay in the trial process for 7-10 years before receiving FDA approval. The treatment itself rarely changes throughout this process, making clinical trials a way to gain early access to a treatment before it is publically available. Learn more about the trial phases and review process from the Clara team.

Clinical Trial Myth: Clinical trials aren’t safe.

Reality: While the FDA may have a bad reputation for moving slowly, they are in fact just doing an amazing job at their primary function: to keep trials and treatments in all phases safe. The FDA provides rules and regulations that all research studies must use when creating a trial. These keep patients safe by ensuring that everything is done at the highest standard of care.

Clinical Trial Myth: Patients are treated like test subjects.

Reality: Many of the patients that we talk to about clinical trial experiences report that their trial care was the most attentive, thorough and thoughtful care they have ever received. Trials are well staffed and well monitored, meaning that patients are given individualized attention that traditional healthcare professionals can’t provide. The average doctor’s appointment involves only about 7 minutes of provider-patient interaction, while a patient in a trial is typically monitored constantly throughout each moment treatment. Don’t believe it? Hear it directly from the patients.

Clinical Trial Myth: Clinical trials are too expensive.

Reality: For most Phase 1-3 clinical trials there are no charges associated with the treatment you will receive . Generally, the only time you will be paying for a treatment is if you were to participate in a Phase 4 observational trial, where the drug or procedure has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many studies are even willing to cover travel costs and other potential out of pocket expenses, plus there are additional organizations that offer assistance. For more information on finances through a trial check out this guide.

Ready to Enroll?

With these common myths laid to rest, patients and families can begin to consider clinical trials as a viable option to gain access to new and innovative treatments. If you are looking for a better treatment option sign up for Clara to learn everything you need to know about navigating research studies and picking the right options for you.