MSD
Clinical Trials
When you’re faced with the decision of whether to join a clinical trial, there’s no reason to make it alone. Your doctor is your best resource for deciding if a trial is right for you, but your personal support team can also help you along the way.
Your family and friends can offer their advice and support and help you make your final decision about whether to join a clinical trial. Start by sharing what you’ve learned about clinical trials, and then be ready to answer their questions.
When it comes to your health, you may want to take time to gather information, weigh up options, and let it all sink in. That’s why it’s important to choose a good time to talk to your loved ones.
Find a time when you can sit face-to-face, if possible, and let them see how much their support means to you. This way you can both feel comfortable and talk openly.
There’s a reason you’ve decided to explore clinical trial options. Start there. Explain your reasoning and what you hope to get out of taking part in the clinical trial.
Even if people don’t understand at first, they may remain open when they hear your own personal reasons. Be honest about the risks and benefits of taking part.
There may be times in a clinical trial when your carer will need to help you, such as to drive you to and from the trial site, look after your home if there is a hospital stay, or just come with you to a trial visit for support. This means that they would play an active role while you take part in the clinical trial. They may have questions about this.
Share our answers to common questions and your personal reasons to help them understand.
No matter which way you choose to approach your loved ones, remember that they also have their own experiences, feelings and opinions. It’s important for you to seriously consider their advice, but deciding whether to join a clinical trial is your decision to make.
Deciding whether to join a clinical trial isn’t always an easy decision. You want to make sure that you’re informed and feel comfortable with your decision.
Since your doctor knows you and your medical history, they can help you decide if taking part is the right choice. Set up a doctor visit or, as part of your next visit, share information about the trial and be ready to answer questions, such as:
You can find answers to some of the above questions in the clinical trial listing. We have an “Understanding a clinical trial listing” guide to help you.