Question 1

What is a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

A clinical trial is a research study involving volunteers that helps researchers evaluate new treatments, medications, medical devices or approaches to healthcare. Clinical trials help determine whether these interventions are safe, effective and appropriate for wider use.

Question 2

Why are clinical trials important?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trials help advance healthcare by showing how treatments work, identifying possible side effects and exploring new ways to prevent, diagnose and manage medical conditions. By taking part, volunteers contribute to knowledge that may benefit people in the future.

Question 3

Who can participate?

Accepted Answer

Each trial has its own eligibility criteria, which may relate to your age, medical history, health conditions or current medications. Some studies are for people with a specific condition, while others involve healthy volunteers. Our research team can help you understand whether a study may be suitable.

Question 4

Are clinical trials safe?

Accepted Answer

Participant safety and wellbeing are central to clinical research. In Australia, trials must meet strict ethical and regulatory requirements and are reviewed by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). Participants are monitored throughout the study.
All clinical trials involve some uncertainty and level of risk. Before you decide, the research team will explain the known and potential risks, possible benefits and available alternatives.

Question 5

Can I leave a clinical trial after joining?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw your consent at any time without giving a reason. Your decision will not affect your right to receive appropriate medical care. If you withdraw, the research team will discuss any recommended safety follow-up with you.

Question 6

What happens during a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

Every clinical trial is different, but most trial participation will involve:
📞 A Friendly First Chat: Start with a phone appointment where we’ll explain the study, check whether it may be suitable for you and outline what participation involves.
👩‍⚕️ Meet the Study Doctor and Team: Visit our clinic to meet with a clinical trial investigator (doctor), learn more about the study, ask questions and go through the informed consent process. If you choose to participate, screening assessments will be completed to confirm your eligibility.
🩺 Take Part in the Study: If you’re eligible and choose to participate, you’ll complete study visits and assessments, which may include clinic-based health checks, medical tests and assessments at home, such as recording symptoms, completing questionnaires or using a study device. You may also receive a study treatment or take part in another research intervention, where applicable. Our research team will guide you through each step and explain what to expect.
💙 Ongoing Care & Support: Most studies involve follow-up appointments or phone calls so the team can monitor your health, progress and wellbeing.
The research team will explain what participation involves, including the expected number of visits and how long the study will last.

Question 7

What is informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is the process of making sure you understand the study before choosing whether to participate. You will receive information about its purpose, procedures, possible risks and benefits, and your rights.
You can ask questions and take time to consider your decision. Giving consent does not prevent you from withdrawing later.

Question 8

Will I receive the treatment being studied?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Some trials compare a new treatment with an existing treatment or a placebo, and participants may be randomly assigned to a group. The research team will explain how treatments are allocated and whether a placebo may be used.

Question 9

What is a placebo?

Accepted Answer

A placebo looks like the treatment being studied but does not contain its active ingredient. It may be used to help researchers understand whether a treatment is effective. Not all trials use placebos, and the research team will tell you before you consent if you could receive one.

Question 10

How long does a clinical trial last?

Accepted Answer

Study length varies. Some trials involve a few visits over several weeks; others continue for months or years. Before you enrol, you will receive details about the expected duration and appointment schedule.

Question 11

Can I participate if I am already taking medication?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Eligibility depends on the study and the medications you take, as some may affect eligibility or interact with the treatment being investigated. Never stop or change prescribed medication without first speaking with your treating healthcare professional.

Question 12

Will participating benefit my health?

Accepted Answer

Direct medical benefit is not guaranteed. A trial may offer access to an investigational treatment and additional health monitoring, but some participants may improve while others may not benefit. Whatever the outcome, participation can contribute valuable information to medical research.

Question 13

What happens after the clinical trial finishes?

Accepted Answer

The research team will explain whether you need any follow-up appointments and what happens next. Continued access to an investigational treatment is not guaranteed and depends on the study arrangements. You may also be able to receive information about the overall results when they become available.

Question 14

Can I participate in more than one clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

It may be possible, but joining multiple trials at the same time is often restricted for safety and scientific reasons. Always tell the research team about any other studies you are taking part in or have recently completed.

Question 15

Will my personal information remain confidential?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trials have strict requirements for protecting your privacy and personal information. Your information is handled in line with applicable privacy laws, ethical requirements and the study protocol. Research data may be coded or de-identified to reduce the risk of identifying you.
Read our [privacy policy](/legal/privacy).

Question 16

How do I find a clinical trial that is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Explore our currently recruiting studies and contact the research team to ask about eligibility and participation. Our team can explain available studies, answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.

Question 17

Does my patient stay under my care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patients remain under their own doctor's care. We keep referrers updated at agreed milestones.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials aren't only a last resort.

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The phases of a clinical trial

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Phase IV

Clinical trial FAQs for participants

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