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Five Common Myths About Clinical Trials and the Truth Behind Them
Separate common myths from facts about safety, placebos, eligibility and participant rights. Learn what to expect.
Clinical trials play an important role in advancing medical research and developing new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat health conditions. Yet many prospective participants are unsure what participation in a clinical trial actually involves. Misconceptions about placebos, safety, eligibility and participants’ rights make clinical research seem intimidating or confusing.
Learning the facts provides a better understanding of clinical trials and whether participating in one may be the right decision. Here are some common myths about clinical trials and the truth behind them.
Myth #1:
Clinical trials are only for patients who have run out of treatment options
The facts: Prospective participants don’t have to wait until they’ve exhausted other options to learn what clinical research studies are available. Clinical trials encompass a wide variety of health conditions, treatments, medications, devices, and approaches to care. While some studies enroll patients living with specific medical conditions, others may look for participants at different stages of an illness or even healthy volunteers.
Eligibility requirements vary from study to study. Researchers use specific criteria to determine who may participate based on factors such as age, health history, current medications, or other characteristics relevant to the research.
Myth #2:
Clinical trial participants don’t know what they’re signing up for
The facts: Before deciding to participate, potential participants undergo informed consent. During this process, the research team provides information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and what participants should expect.
Prospective participants also have an opportunity to ask questions before making a decision. If something is unclear, they should ask the research team to provide clarity. Understanding the full scope of trial participation is an important part of deciding whether a particular clinical trial is the right fit. Communication with the study team doesn’t end at informed consent; it continues throughout the process; participants should ask questions if any concerns arise.
Myth #3:
Once you join a clinical trial, you can’t opt out
The facts: Participation in clinical research is voluntary. Enrolling in a study does not mean forfeiting the ability to make decisions about participation.
Patients may decide that they no longer want to participate and may withdraw from a clinical trial at any time. The research team will explain and answer any questions about what withdrawal may involve if a patient decides to leave the study early.
Knowing that participation is voluntary may aid in enrollment decisions.
Myth #4:
Everyone in a clinical trial uses a placebo
The facts: Not every clinical trial uses a placebo. Study designs vary depending on what researchers are studying, and the questions the trial is designed to answer.
Some trials may compare an investigational treatment with an existing treatment, while others may include a placebo group. In some studies, participants do not know which treatment they receive during the trial.
If a study involves a placebo, that information will be discussed during the informed consent process. Ask the research team about how treatment groups work in the specific study you’re considering.
Myth #5:
Joining a clinical trial means the treatment will heal or cure you
The facts: Clinical trials are conducted because researchers are still gathering information about the safety and efficacy of medical treatments, drugs or medical devices. An investigational treatment may or may not provide a direct medical benefit to an individual participant.
Research allows scientists and healthcare professionals to better understand a disease, treatment, or approach to care. What researchers learn from participants contributes to medical knowledge and shapes future treatments and care. Before enrolling, prospective participants should inquire about the potential benefits and risks of the specific study to make an informed decision.
Questions to ask before participating in a clinical trial
When considering participating in a clinical trial, asking critical questions provides a foundational understanding of what participation would mean. Questions to ask include:
- What is the purpose of this study?
- What will happen during study visits?
- How often will I need to visit the research site?
- How long will the study last?
- What are the possible risks and benefits?
- Will I need to change any of my current medications or routines?
- Are study-related costs covered?
- Is compensation for time or travel available?
- Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?
- What happens if I decide I no longer want to participate?
FAQs
Are clinical trials safe?
Clinical trials involve risks, and the specific risks vary depending on the study. Research studies follow protocols and include safeguards intended to protect participants. Before deciding whether to enroll, potential participants should receive information about known or potential risks and have an opportunity to ask questions.
Do I have to pay to participate in a clinical trial?
Costs vary by study. Some study-related procedures may be provided at no cost to participants, while other healthcare expenses may not be covered by the study. The research team will explain potential costs before trial enrollment begins.
Do clinical trial participants get paid?
Some clinical trials compensate participants for their time, travel, or other study-related expenses. Compensation varies by study and should be explained before enrollment.
Can I leave a clinical trial after it starts?
Yes. Clinical trial participation is voluntary, and participants may choose to withdraw. If you are considering leaving a study, the research team will explain the withdrawal process and answer any questions.
How do I know whether I qualify for a clinical trial?
Every clinical trial has eligibility requirements based on the specific research being conducted. These include factors such as age, health history, diagnosis, medications, or other characteristics. The study team will review the eligibility requirements with prospective participants to determine whether a particular trial is appropriate.
Learn more about clinical trial opportunities
Clinical trials depend on volunteers who choose to contribute to medical research. Understanding how studies work — and separating common myths from the facts — makes it easier to decide whether participation is worth exploring.
Trialmed connects prospective participants with clinical research opportunities and provides information to help them learn more about studies available to them.
Ready to learn more about clinical trials and register your interest in participating?