Reach BC

Aug 5, 2024

What is clinical research? Understanding its importance and benefits

Reach BC

Clinical research is a vital field that drives advancements in medicine, offering insights that lead to new medical treatments and improved patient care. Whether you’re considering participating in a trial or simply interested in how medical breakthroughs are achieved, this guide explains everything you need to know about clinical research.

What is clinical research?

Clinical research involves the systematic investigation of health and medical issues through studies designed to gather data about new treatments, therapies, and understanding of diseases. This research plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge, developing effective interventions, and improving the quality of life for individuals across the globe.

Clinical research can be broadly categorized into several types, including interventional studies, observational studies, and prevention trials. Each type has its specific objectives and methodologies, all contributing to the broader field of medical science.

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Types of clinical research trials

Clinical trials are pivotal in testing new treatments and understanding health conditions. They are classified based on their purpose and design:

Interventional studies

Interventional studies focus on evaluating the effects of a specific intervention, which might include a new drug, medical device, or behavioural treatment. These trials are designed to assess whether the intervention is effective and safe. Common designs include:

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs): Participants are randomly assigned to different groups to compare the effects of the intervention against a control group.
Double-blind studies: Neither the participants nor the researchers know which group is receiving the intervention, helping to eliminate bias.
Single-blind studies: Only the participants are unaware of their group assignment, which helps to reduce the influence of expectations on the study outcomes.

Observational studies

In observational studies, researchers observe participants without intervening. These studies are useful for understanding the natural progression of diseases and the effects of lifestyle factors on health. Types include:

Cohort studies: Follow a group of people over time to see how different exposures affect health outcomes.
Case-control studies: Compare people with a particular condition to those without, to identify factors that may contribute to the condition.
Cross-sectional studies: Examine data at a single point in time to identify patterns and correlations.

Diagnostic and behavioural studies

Diagnostic trials: These studies focus on evaluating new diagnostic tests and procedures to improve disease detection and diagnosis.
Behavioural studies: Investigate how changes in behaviour can impact health outcomes. Examples include studies on stress management techniques or dietary modifications.

Prevention trials

Prevention trials aim to identify ways to prevent diseases or health conditions. These might include testing vaccines or assessing lifestyle changes. These trials help to determine effective strategies for reducing the risk of developing certain conditions.

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How to volunteer for clinical research studies

Volunteering for a clinical research trial involves several key steps. To get started, you should contact researchers with any questions about the study. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the informed consent process is crucial for clinical trial participation.

1. Find a clinical trial

To , you can use online platforms such as REACH BC or contact local academic institutions and medical centres. It’s important to find a study that aligns with your health status and interests.

Why use

Why use REACH BC to find clinical research opportunities?

to find clinical research opportunities?

REACH BC is designed to put people in direct contact with clinical studies that require volunteers. With a unique algorithm designed to seamlessly match participants with relevant trials, we take all the work out of the search process for you. Here is why you should use the REACH BC platform:

Personalised matching: REACH BC is committed to aligning volunteers with suitable clinical trials by enabling them to build a detailed profile that outlines their interests and health category interests. This approach ensures precise matches based on selection criteria.
Ongoing updates: Subscribers get weekly matching emails each Monday morning, highlighting potential trials that match their profiles, keeping them updated with relevant opportunities.
Informed choices: REACH BC supports study participants by providing direct communication with . This helps volunteers receive answers to questions and understand the review process, ensuring they make well-informed decisions about their clinical trial participation.

2. Understand the eligibility criteria

Each trial has specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which determine who can participate. These criteria might include age, health condition, and other factors. Make sure to review these criteria carefully to understand whether you qualify.

3. The informed consent process

Before participating, you'll undergo an informed consent process. This involves receiving detailed information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. You must agree to participate voluntarily and be fully informed about what the trial entails.

4. Screening and participation

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will undergo a screening process that may include medical evaluations and tests. Once selected, you'll participate according to the study’s design, which may involve taking medications, undergoing procedures, or attending follow-up visits.

How researchers recruit patients and volunteers for studies

What does clinical research involve?

Study design

Researchers develop a detailed plan outlining the study’s objectives, methodology, and the phases of the trial. This design determines how the study will be conducted and how data will be collected.

Recruitment and enrollment

Recruitment involves reaching out to potential participants who meet the study’s criteria. The enrollment process includes obtaining informed consent and conducting initial evaluations. Alternatively, can reach out to the studies themselves. Platforms such as REACH BC make matching volunteers to as seamless as possible.

Conducting the study

During the study, participants follow the protocol, which might involve receiving treatments, undergoing tests, or providing data through surveys. Researchers monitor participants closely to ensure adherence and track any side effects.

Data collection and analysis

Data is collected throughout the trial and analysed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the intervention. This analysis helps determine whether the intervention is beneficial and safe for future use.

Reporting and publication

The results are compiled and reported, often leading to publications in scientific journals and some study results are also shared on REACH BC. These findings contribute to the broader body of medical knowledge and may influence future research and treatment practices.

How to find health research opportunities in British Columbia

Benefits of clinical research

Clinical research offers by advancing treatments and improving public health. By participating, you could help develop experimental drugs and treatments that can enhance care for people. These advancements not only improve their quality of life but also pave the way for better outcomes for future patients.

Access to new treatments: Participants may gain access to cutting-edge treatments and experimental therapies that are not yet available to the general public.
Contribution to medical knowledge: Your participation helps advance medical science by providing data that contributes to understanding and treating various conditions.
Enhanced medical care: Participants often receive close monitoring and care from a dedicated team of health care providers, which can enhance their overall medical care.
Potential for improved outcomes: Some participants may experience improved health outcomes due to innovative treatments being tested in the trial.
Compensation: Certain trials offer compensation for time and travel expenses, acknowledging the contribution and commitment of participants.

Risks and considerations of clinical research

Understanding the risks and considerations of clinical research is essential for study participants. While clinical researchers aim to ensure participant safety, there are inherent risk factors. Evaluating these risks, alongside the benefits, is crucial for patient volunteers to make informed decisions about their involvement in the study of health:

Adverse effects: Experimental treatments may lead to side effects, which can range from mild to severe. It’s important to discuss potential risks with the research team before participating.
Uncertain outcomes: There is no guarantee that the experimental treatment will be effective or that it will work as intended.
Time commitment: Participation may require a significant time commitment, including regular appointments, tests, and follow-ups, which may impact your daily life.

Find volunteer opportunities near you with REACH BC

REACH BC connects volunteers with relevant clinical trials through its online platform. By setting up a detailed profile, you’ll be matched with trials that fit your health category interests. We provide with valuable knowledge about trials for research including drug development and effective treatments for illnesses. With regular updates on trials tailored to your criteria, we keep you informed and engaged in advancing medical science.