You have a right to know about the possible advantages and disadvantages of participating. No one may be involved in a research study without freely giving informed consent in writing. Some experimental treatments require Guardianship Board approval if the person himself or herself cannot give informed consent. Not to have future treatment by that doctor or hospital jeopardised by such withdrawal. Don't forget to ask about side effects such as incontinence, sleep disturbances and irritability.
Therapeutic research aims to produce some direct benefit to the participants.
Non-therapeutic research does not aim to produce direct benefit to the participants. Instead it aims to produce knowledge which may in the future be used to produce a new form of treatment or management. A clinical trial is a study which tests the safety and effectiveness of a new drug or treatment. A randomised trial is a special type of clinical trial. It is used to compare two different types of medication or treatment.