a few things you should ask
Your Role Is vital
As a caregiver, your role is vital in helping your loved one make informed decisions about their health. If you’re considering a clinical trial, here are some important questions to ask:
Primary Doctor
☐ Is this trial a good option for my loved one?
☐ How does the experimental treatment compare to current standard treatments?
☐ Are there any health conditions that may increase their risk?
☐ Can you review the trial details and explain the potential impact on their health?
☐ Will you coordinate with the trial team to monitor their overall health?
☐ What are the short-term and long-term risks of participating?
☐ If they experience complications, how will you be involved in their care?
Study Team
☐ What is the goal of this Phase 3 trial?
☐ Has this treatment been tested before? What were the results?
☐ What are the known risks and side effects?
☐ What happens if my loved one experiences severe side effects?
☐ Is there a chance they will receive a placebo instead of the treatment?
☐ If they don’t respond well, can they switch treatments?
☐ Are there any long-term effects we should be aware of?
Logistics & Daily Life
☐ How often are clinic visits required, and how long do they take?
☐ Where are the trial sites? Can visits be scheduled at a convenient location?
☐ Are home-based follow-ups available (telemedicine, local lab tests)?
☐ Can caregivers attend appointments or assist with treatments at home?
☐ What kind of monitoring or self-reporting is required between visits?
☐ Is transportation assistance or reimbursement available?
☐ Will participation affect their ability to continue regular medications or treatments?
Costs and Coverage
☐ Are there any costs for participating (medications, tests, procedures)?
☐ What expenses are covered by the study (travel, lodging, meals, lab work)?
☐ Does the clinical trial cover complications from participating?
☐ Is financial support available if my loved one incurs out-of-pocket costs?
Withdrawals and Future Care
☐ Can my loved one leave the trial at any time? What is the process?
☐ If they withdraw, can they return to their previous treatment?
☐ Will they receive medical support after the trial ends?
☐ If the treatment is effective, will they have access to it after the trial?
☐ How will trial results be shared with participants?
Questions for the Primary Care Doctor
☐ Is this trial a good option for my loved one?
☐ How does the experimental treatment compare to current standard treatments?
☐ Are there any health conditions that may increase their risk?
☐ Can you review the trial details and explain the potential impact on their health?
☐ Will you coordinate with the trial team to monitor their overall health?
☐ What are the short-term and long-term risks of participating?
☐ If they experience complications, how will you be involved in their care?
Questions for the Study Team (Trial Coordinators, Investigators, or Medical Staff)
Understanding the Treatment & Risks
☐ What is the goal of this Phase 3 trial?
☐ Has this treatment been tested before? What were the results?
☐ What are the known risks and side effects?
☐ What happens if my loved one experiences severe side effects?
☐ Is there a chance they will receive a placebo instead of the treatment?
☐ If they don’t respond well, can they switch treatments?
☐ Are there any long-term effects we should be aware of?
Logistics & Daily Life Impact
☐ How often are clinic visits required, and how long do they take?
☐ Where are the trial sites? Can visits be scheduled at a convenient location?
☐ Are home-based follow-ups available (telemedicine, local lab tests)?
☐ Can caregivers attend appointments or assist with treatments at home?
☐ What kind of monitoring or self-reporting is required between visits?
☐ Is transportation assistance or reimbursement available?
☐ Will participation affect their ability to continue regular medications or treatments?
Costs & Insurance Coverage
☐ Are there any costs for participating (medications, tests, procedures)?
☐ What expenses are covered by the study (travel, lodging, meals, lab work)?
☐ Does insurance cover complications from the trial?
☐ Is financial support available if my loved one incurs out-of-pocket costs?
Withdrawal & Future Care
☐ Can my loved one leave the trial at any time? What is the process?
☐ If they withdraw, can they return to their previous treatment?
☐ Will they receive medical support after the trial ends?
☐ If the treatment is effective, will they have access to it after the trial?
☐ How will trial results be shared with participants?
