An Overview Clinical trials are the most reliable research studies available for proving whether new drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are beneficial in the treatment and prevention of human illness. For the results to be widely applicable, clinical trials need to include a broad range of people- men, women, and children of different races and ethnicities. They have an important impact on clinical practice as well as the health of the general public regarding the treatment and prevention of human illness. Because neither the patient nor the researcher knows which group offers the better treatment until the trial has concluded, randomization provides the most powerful test as to which strategy is ultimately the most beneficial to humans. Basic research answers crucial questions about why, not whether a drug, device, or surgical intervention may reduce premature death or disability.
Basic research has great precision but always has questionable relevance to humans.
The Informed Consent process, whereby the researcher explains potential risks and benefits of a clinical trial to willing and potentially eligible participants, should be completed before any individual is randomized into a clinical trial. Participation in a clinical trial may well turn out to benefit you individually. Beyond this, it can certainly benefit society by filling in a gap and extending knowledge about the best treatment or preventative strategy for a given illness or condition. Clinical trials have helped medicine make great strides in treating and preventing human illness. As more knowledge accumulates, the quantity and quality of treatment and prevention strategies available to all of us will continue to improve.