Depending on the type of clinical trial, the results may be published and shared with the medical community, included in the submission to the Food and Drug Administration when the drug is reviewed, or both. According to the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation, there are 4,600 Institutional review boards (IRBs) and/or Ethical Review Boards in the world (as of 2013 statistics), more than 3,000 of which are in the United States and Canada. Usually, these boards oversee the results of studies that make it to the larger medical community through publication or other means.
What happens with clinical trial results?
The results of the clinical trial will be used by the research team conducting the trial to further advance their medical and scientific knowledge of the subject matter. Usually these results will be part of a larger overall study that seeks to combine a wide array of information, or many trials with one large overarching trial, to decide the effectiveness, safety, applicability, etc. of new medicine, devices, and/or medical approaches.
Can I see the results of my trial?
In some cases the results of the research will be published, either in medical and scientific journals, or else in other industry specific publications. The U.S. Library of Medicine provides a database of study results and publications. You can ask your research team for more specifics about the name of your trial or the study itself if you want to search a database like this later.
However, privacy constraints and other factors sometimes mean that the publication specifics can’t be shared, even with the participant, other than what is needed to know to complete the trial. However, you can ask your research team if there is any way you will be able to see the results of your study.
Take part in medical history
When you take part in a clinical trial, you have the chance to help shape the future of medicine. By participating in studies like these, participants are helping researchers to find new and exciting ways to advance medicine to potentially enhance or even save the lives. Take part in medical history; speak to a Davita Clinical Research recruiter today.
Disclaimer: Phase 1 (in-patient) clinical trials are not intended to treat a disease or condition. Phase 3 (out-patient) clinical trials may help treat an existing disease or condition. The information presented in this blog may be referring to either a phase 1 clinical trial or to a phase 3 clinical trial or to both. If you contact us regarding a trial, be sure to speak with the recruiter about whether or not the trial is intended to treat a condition.