Clinical Research as a Health Care Option
Participating in Clinical Trials can be of great help for the researchers trying to develop better health care products. It can also be rewarding for the participants. Yet, there is only a very slim percentage of the population around the world that participates in Clinical Research.
Current Scenario
It may be surprising to know that about 75% of the people living in the United States do not even consider clinical research as a health care option. In an advanced country like the United States, only about 1% of the citizens participate in these trials.
“How Awareness Helps
Several studies indicate that awareness changes attitudes toward clinical trials, enrollment, and the benefits of participation. (Harris Interactive Survey, 2001)
- 85% of patients were either unaware or unsure that participation in a clinical trial was an option at the time of diagnosis.
- 75% of these patients said they would have been willing to enroll had they known it was possible”. source: www.nih.gov
Why Participation in Clinical Trials is Important?
One of the main reasons for this situation is the unawareness among the people about clinical research. People have several myths about clinical research that stop them from participating in the trials. We all seek the best treatment, medicines and doctor’s advice in case of a medical condition. If the medications do not work out too well, we quickly move to another doctor in search of better medicines and treatment options. Clinical Research can help in improving this situation by ensuring that only the best and most effective medicines make their way into the market.
Clinical Trials are Regulated and Safe
A lot of people do not participate in clinical trials as they are concerned about the safety of the trials. This is again a myth as the fact is that as all the legal clinical trials have to follow the standards set by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are rigorous guidelines for conduction of clinical trials to ensure the safety of the participants on the top priority.
Kathy Vandebelt leads the Clinical Innovation team at Eli Lilly and Company and she says “Global health care in the 21st century is increasingly focused on structuring health care systems around value for the patient. That value can be measured by cost effectiveness, knowledge gained from the practice of evidence-based medicine, and other key concepts”. source: clinicaltrialsarena.com
Conclusion: Clinical Trials are the basis for testing new drugs before being introduced into the market. The aim of these trials is to look for better medications by making continuous improvements on the basis of data collected using trials. Thus, clinical research is indeed a real health care option.
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