Across the entities of Loma Linda University Health, researchers conduct numerous clinical trials and human studies to work toward finding cures and transforming lives through clinical research. Clinical studies encompass a wide variety of approaches. Some studies investigate the particular use of a drug or device, while others may observe lifestyle and/or behavioral changes.
Every study is reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that all federal, state, and institutional policies are adhered to. The IRB review works to ensure that all study participants are treated in an ethical manner. Studies posted to this website have been approved by the IRB.
Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. Clinical trials may also compare a new treatment to a treatment that is already available.
Every clinical trial has a protocol, or action plan, for conducting the trial. The plan describes what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted, and why each part of the study is necessary. Each study has its own rules about who can participate. Some studies need volunteers with a certain disease. Some need healthy people. Others want just men or just women.
In the United States, an independent committee of physicians, statisticians and members of the community must approve and monitor the protocol. They make sure that the risks are small and are worth the potential benefits.*
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. This page offers information to help you to choose if participation in a clinical trial is right for you. In addition to the information provided here we encourage you to speak with your primary care physician and your family.
*Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health
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