Questions before deciding to join a clinical trial
Before joining a trial, understand the study goal, comparator, required procedures, cost split, and choices if you stop. Written questions help consultation time focus on what matters.
Prepared and published by TanyaKanker
For: Patients and families at the decision stage
Medical review status
30-second answer
The key point
Before joining a trial, understand the study goal, comparator, required procedures, cost split, and choices if you stop. Written questions help consultation time focus on what matters.
This is an educational summary, not a diagnosis or final treatment recommendation.
About the study
Understand the purpose before discussing logistics.
- What question is the study trying to answer?
- What treatment or comparator is involved?
- What is known and what remains uncertain?
About procedures
Ask what participation requires in practice.
- What tests and visits are mandatory?
- How often is imaging or blood testing done?
- How long is the study participation expected to last?
Penjelasan visual
Read one study step by step
A reading sequence that helps you assess a study page in a few minutes.
This diagram explains the sequence of assessment and discussion. It is not treatment advice or an eligibility decision.
Read the title and phase
The phase indicates how far testing has progressed.
Check the main criteria
The criteria define who may and may not participate.
Compare them with your records
Note any criteria you cannot yet confirm.
Contact the study centre
Only the study centre can assess eligibility.
Follow the screening process
This includes additional tests and the consent explanation.
Read study criteria as a checklist, not as an assessment of your eligibility.
About costs and coverage
Separate study costs from participant costs to avoid surprises.
- Which parts are covered by the study and which are paid by the participant?
- Are non-protocol costs, such as side-effect care, covered?
About choices and safety
Understand what happens if circumstances change.
- What happens if I choose to stop the study?
- Which side effects need urgent reporting, and to whom?
- What are my options if the study does not help?
Langkah berikutnya
If you have medical reports, build a case summary so your documents and questions are organised before consultation.
