What Happens During a Clinical Trial
As well as carrying out tests to determine how well a treatment is working, researchers will also look out for any side effects, and you may be asked questions about any new symptoms you have. Researchers will also look at the wider effects of a treatment on your life as a whole, not just its effects on symptoms. There are also detailed tests and questionnaires that are used to measure people’s quality of life, so you may be asked
if you are able to take part in your usual daily activities,
if you need extra help around the home or to help look after your family, or
if you feel happy or sad, anxious, or depressed.
Some clinical trials will also look at the cost-effectiveness of treatments and their effects on other aspects of care, so you may be asked about how the treatment affects other areas of your life such as
whether you are able to work during the treatment,
the number of times you visit your doctor and nurse, and
travel.