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Another Option
People seeking early access to potential advances in health
care might want to consider a clinical trial. rear Adm. Joyce
Johnson, d.O., explains how these research studies work.
c
linical trials are research studies trial — such as other diseases or treatment
that follow a detailed protocol to with certain medication. to participate in
evaluate the efficacy and/or safety a trial, one must meet all of the inclusion
of treatment, prevention, diagnostic tools, criteria and none of the exclusion criteria.
screening approaches, or supportive care. clinical trials often include cohorts, or
clinical trials are an integral part of the groups. one group might be given a spe-
drug, biologic, and device approval process. cific drug, another group might be given a
their purpose is not to treat illness, though different drug, and a third group might be
some participants might receive treatment. given a placebo. Most studies are double-
there are two major types of clinical blinded — neither the participants nor
If You’d Like to
trial: observational trials, in which partici- the study director knows to which group
Learn more
pants do what they usually would do and a given individual has been assigned until
■ Talk with your health data is collected about what they do and the study has ended.
care provider if you are
the results of doing it, and interventional a potential participant in a clinical trial
interested in a clinical
trials, which test the efficacy and/or safety should meet with study personnel and dis-
trial. Yo u also can visit
www.clinicaltrials.gov
of a specific “intervention.” for example, cuss the trial to make sure he or she fully
to find out about clinical
an observational trial on weight manage- understands the protocol and requirements
trials in general as well ment might record a participant’s usual (number of office visits, diagnostic or treat-
as trials investigating
diet and activities, while an interventional ment procedures, etcetera) as well as the
specific illnesses.
trial on weight management could require risks and potential benefits of participation.
participants to try a specific diet, medica- if you are considering participating in
tion, or exercise program. a clinical trial, don’t be afraid to ask ques-
clinical trials include several compo- tions — and persist until you understand
nents. a protocol or study plan provides the answers. then weigh the pros and
the rules of the trial, specifying exactly cons and decide whether to participate. a
what the trial involves and the character- signed informed consent form is required
istics of those who may or may not partici- from every participant. though partici-
pate. to ensure data on all participants is pants can leave a clinical trial at any time
comparable, clinical trials have criteria for for any reason, talking with study person-
inclusion and exclusion. nel immediately about any concerns is key
inclusion criteria outline the charac- to success for participants. MO
teristics of those who may participate and
often include an age range, gender, and
— rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS-ret.,
health (either healthy or with a specific
D.o., M.a., is vice president, Health Sciences,
Battelle Memorial Institute, Arlington, Va. Find
disease at a specific stage).
more health and wellness resources at www
exclusion criteria identify character-
.moaa.org/wellness. For submission information,
istics that eliminate individuals from the see page 18.
50 Military officer december 2009 photo: steve barrett
Dec_ask
dr.indd 50 10/28/09 2:29 PM
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