Clinical Trials

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a way to test an intervention—a new drug, device (like a pacemaker), a new procedure, or even changes in behavior—to see what its impact is by following a research plan. The intervention also might be an existing drug, device or procedure used for a different disease or in a different way. In a clinical trial, researchers might be testing for safety and effectiveness of the intervention, or they may be testing to see what the benefits of the intervention might be and how it might improve lives. The intervention is often compared with a different intervention that already exists or with no intervention. Often, some trial participants are given a placebo, a harmless drug, device or procedure so participants don’t know whether or not they are getting the intervention being tested. When people are given the intervention or no intervention (or a placebo) at random, this is called “randomization.”

Is a Clinical Trial Right For You?

View the Clinical Trial Decision Tree

     ENACT Frequently asked Questions about clinical Trials

       ENACT Discussion Guide–Clinical Trials

 

    Visit the Enact web site to learn more by clicking here

Did you know:

See More Survey Results HERE

Why participate in a Clinical Trial?

People have different reasons for participating in clinical trials, but some of the main reasons are:

  • advancing science and helping others
  • access to new medications and devices
  • to play a more active role in their healthcare
  • no options currently available for treatment of their disease
  • to help bring new medications and devices to market

Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

Discussion Guides for Clinical Trials:

  Shared Decision Making

  What Are Clinical Trials and Why Do They Matter to Heart Patients?

  What Do I Need to Know About Participating in a Clinical Trial?

 

Resources for More Information

If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, you should talk to your healthcare team for guidance. In additional to your healthcare team, these organizations offer in-depth and valuable information about clinical trial participation:

Clinical Trials That May Interest You

Important Notice: This content is presented for information purposes only. Mended Hearts® does not endorse any clinical trials; decisions about participation should be carefully considered with patient, healthcare team and caregiver input.

To find clinical trials that may interest you, please visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Learn about Clinical Trials through our Clinical Trial Webinar Series HERE:

The Importance of Clinical Trials: Why They Matter

Watch the REPLAY HERE

Presentation Handout- Clinical Trial Discussion Guide

 

 

What is Involved in a Clinical Trial? Learn From the Experts

Watch the REPLAY HERE

Presentation Handout: Clinical Trial Information

 

 

Is a Clinical Trial Right for You? Shared Decision Making and Informed Consent

Watch the REPLAY HERE

Presentation Handout: Shared Decision Making

 

 

The Clinical Trial Journey: A Device Clinical Trial Patient Panel

Watch the REPLAY HERE