Clinical Trials at Norton Healthcare
Category
A clinical trial (also clinical research, medical research and research study)
is a research study using human volunteers to evaluate whether new medical
treatments are safe and effective. Clinical trials may also evaluate whether
existing treatments are effective for other diseases. Carefully conducted
clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work
in people and ways to improve health. Each trial or study is designed to
provide scientific information and to help researchers discover new and
better ways to prevent and treat diseases.
Doctors who conduct clinical trials follow a carefully designed treatment plan
called a protocol. The protocol defines who may participate in the trial; the
schedule of tests, procedures, medications, treatment and dosages; and the
length of the trial. Many trials are conducted on an international and national
level. As a result, data is collected from many human volunteers. Doctors and
researchers work together to better evaluate the effectiveness of the study.
