Participation in clinical trials comes with its own set of risks and benefits. It’s a delicate balance, one that each participant must weigh for themselves. Let’s take a closer look at some of these potential risks and benefits.
Potential Risks
Participating in a clinical trial can carry certain risks. For starters, the treatment being tested may not work for the participant. Or it could even be less effective than the standard treatment. There’s also the risk of unpleasant, serious, or even life-threatening side effects from the treatment.
Moreover, clinical trials may require more of your time and attention than standard treatment would, including trips to the study site, more treatments, hospital stays, or complex dosage requirements.
Potential Benefits
On the flip side, clinical trials also offer potential benefits. Participants may gain access to new treatments before they are widely available. They also receive regular and careful medical attention from a research team that includes doctors and other health professionals.
But perhaps the most significant benefit is the opportunity to help others by contributing to medical research. Every bit of knowledge gained in a clinical trial helps researchers better understand how to fight diseases and improve health.