What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study where people can volunteer to test new treatments, devices or tests to help prevent, detect, treat or manage diseases or medical conditions.
These treatments, devices or tests are known as interventions.
Interventions can include:
- experimental drugs
- cells and other biological products
- vaccines
- medical devices
- surgical and other medical treatments and procedures
- psychotherapeutic and behavioural therapies
- health service changes
- preventive care strategies
- education
Clinical trials generally involve testing:
- New interventions – by testing how people respond to the new intervention and what side effects might occur. This helps to determine if a new intervention works, is safe and is better than the interventions that are already available.
- Existing interventions – by comparing existing interventions and either testing new ways to use them or observing how people respond to other factors that might affect their health (such as dietary changes).
I’ve heard drug trials can sometimes use a placebo. How do I know I’ll be getting the drug being trialled?
Every drug trial is different. Generally, participants are divided into two groups.
One group will be treated with the trial medicine or device and the other group will be treated with the current treatment known as standard of care as a minimum.
The two groups are monitored to obtain information about the progress of their condition (if applicable) and to check for any new symptoms or side effects.
The information is then assessed to see which group has the better outcome. Doctors can then assess the benefits and the risks of the new treatment.
Why is ethics such a large part of the research and clinical trials area?
All clinical trials require study oversight to ensure the rights and well-being of subjects are protected, data is accurate, complete and reliable, and that the trial is conducted in compliance with all appropriate protocols and national standards.
What happens if I’m on a trial and I develop some sort of side effects?
By the time a medication, treatment or device reaches the clinical trial stage, it has already been extensively tested for likely side effects.
However, it is not possible to uncover all side effects until it is used in humans. There may be additional side effects that were unknown or unforeseen.
It is not possible to predict in advance if side effects will occur but, if they do, appropriate care will be provided to participants.
One benefit of being on trial is you are closely monitored so should any changes in your health occur they can be quickly addressed.
Is it simply an experiment with untried or tested medication?
No, this is not the case.
Before a clinical trial can commence it must be reviewed and approved by an Ethics Committee known as the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
A clinical trial is commenced only after results of pilot tests have been completed with positive results.
How do I know it’s safe?
Before a clinical trial can commence it must be reviewed and approved by an Ethics Committee known as the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
Clinical trials have different phases with participants in all phases monitored by clinical staff and trials teams.
Do I have to be a patient at LRH to be on a clinical trial?
No, clinical trials are run by multiple health services.
For people on a trial at LRH you will be seen and monitored by a team member with the Research and Clinical Trials Team.
How do I get in touch to find out more about clinical trials at Latrobe Regional Health?
If you would like to know more about our programs please contact:
Jhodie Duncan, General Manager – Research and Partnerships jduncan@lrh.com.au
Anita Raymond, Executive Director Education, Research & Governance
araymond@lrh.com.au
For general enquiries regarding clinical trials, email clinicaltrials@lrh.com.au
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study where people can volunteer to test new treatments, devices or tests to help prevent, detect, treat or manage diseases or medical conditions.
These treatments, devices or tests are known as interventions.
Interventions can include:
- experimental drugs
- cells and other biological products
- vaccines
- medical devices
- surgical and other medical treatments and procedures
- psychotherapeutic and behavioural therapies
- health service changes
- preventive care strategies
- education
Clinical trials generally involve testing:
- New interventions – by testing how people respond to the new intervention and what side effects might occur. This helps to determine if a new intervention works, is safe and is better than the interventions that are already available.
- Existing interventions – by comparing existing interventions and either testing new ways to use them or observing how people respond to other factors that might affect their health (such as dietary changes).
Is it simply an experiment with untried or tested medication?
No, this is not the case.
Before a clinical trial can commence it must be reviewed and approved by an Ethics Committee known as the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
A clinical trial is commenced only after results of pilot tests have been completed with positive results.
I’ve heard drug trials can sometimes use a placebo. How do I know I’ll be getting the drug being trialled?
Every drug trial is different. Generally, participants are divided into two groups.
One group will be treated with the trial medicine or device and the other group will be treated with the current treatment known as standard of care as a minimum.
The two groups are monitored to obtain information about the progress of their condition (if applicable) and to check for any new symptoms or side effects.
The information is then assessed to see which group has the better outcome. Doctors can then assess the benefits and the risks of the new treatment.
How do I know it’s safe?
Before a clinical trial can commence it must be reviewed and approved by an Ethics Committee known as the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
Clinical trials have different phases with participants in all phases monitored by clinical staff and trials teams.
Why is ethics such a large part of the research and clinical trials area?
All clinical trials require study oversight to ensure the rights and well-being of subjects are protected, data is accurate, complete and reliable, and that the trial is conducted in compliance with all appropriate protocols and national standards.
Do I have to be a patient at LRH to be on a clinical trial?
No, clinical trials are run by multiple health services.
For people on a trial at LRH you will be seen and monitored by a team member with the Research and Clinical Trials Team.
What happens if I’m on a trial and I develop some sort of side effects?
By the time a medication, treatment or device reaches the clinical trial stage, it has already been extensively tested for likely side effects.
However, it is not possible to uncover all side effects until it is used in humans. There may be additional side effects that were unknown or unforeseen.
It is not possible to predict in advance if side effects will occur but, if they do, appropriate care will be provided to participants.
One benefit of being on trial is you are closely monitored so should any changes in your health occur they can be quickly addressed.
How do I get in touch to find out more about clinical trials at Latrobe Regional Health?
If you would like to know more about our programs please contact:
Jhodie Duncan, General Manager – Research and Partnerships jduncan@lrh.com.au
Anita Raymond, Executive Director Education, Research & Governance
araymond@lrh.com.au
For general enquiries regarding clinical trials, email clinicaltrials@lrh.com.au
