Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about clinical trials and how Health Pioneer helps connect you with medical research opportunities.
About Clinical Trials
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, devices, or procedures in people. These studies help determine if new treatments are safe and effective before they become widely available. Clinical trials follow strict scientific and ethical guidelines to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Why do people participate in clinical trials?
People join clinical trials for various reasons: to access cutting-edge treatments not yet available to the public, to contribute to medical advancement that could help others, to receive close medical monitoring from specialized teams, and potentially to find better treatment options when standard therapies haven't worked.
Are clinical trials safe?
Clinical trials are highly regulated by the FDA and ethics committees (IRBs) to ensure participant safety. Every trial must follow strict protocols, obtain informed consent, and continuously monitor participants. While all medical treatments carry some risk, trials are designed to minimize risks while maximizing potential benefits.
What are the different phases of clinical trials?
Phase I tests safety and dosage in small groups (20-100 people). Phase II evaluates effectiveness and side effects (100-300 people). Phase III compares the new treatment to standard care (300-3,000 people). Phase IV monitors long-term effects after FDA approval.
Finding & Joining Trials
How do I find clinical trials for my condition?
Use our search tool to find trials by entering your condition, location, and preferences. We match you with trials from our database of 450,000+ active studies. You can filter by trial phase, treatment type, and distance from your location. Our patient advocates can also help you find suitable trials.
What makes someone eligible for a clinical trial?
Each trial has specific inclusion and exclusion criteria based on factors like age, gender, disease type and stage, previous treatments, overall health, and other medical conditions. These criteria ensure participant safety and study validity. Our platform helps pre-screen your eligibility before you contact research teams.
Can I participate if I live far from the trial site?
Many trials offer travel assistance or reimbursement for participants who live far away. Some studies have multiple sites across the country. Additionally, with the rise of decentralized trials, some visits may be conducted remotely or at local facilities. We can help you find trials within your preferred travel distance.
How long does it take to get enrolled in a trial?
The enrollment timeline varies but typically takes 2-4 weeks from initial contact to starting treatment. This includes initial screening (1-3 days), scheduling appointments (3-7 days), screening visit and tests (1 day), review of results (3-7 days), and informed consent process (1 day).
During the Trial
Will I receive a placebo instead of the actual treatment?
Not all trials use placebos. Many compare new treatments to existing standard care. If a placebo is used, you'll be informed during the consent process. The use of placebos is carefully considered by ethics committees and is only used when scientifically necessary and ethically appropriate.
Can I leave a clinical trial once I've started?
Yes, participation is completely voluntary. You can withdraw from a trial at any time, for any reason, without penalty and without affecting your future medical care. The research team will ensure you transition safely if you decide to leave.
Will I have to pay for treatment in a clinical trial?
The study treatment, study-related tests, and procedures are provided at no cost. Your regular medical care and any care for unrelated conditions may still be billed to you or your insurance. Many trials also provide compensation for time and travel expenses.
Can I see my regular doctor during the trial?
Absolutely! Clinical trials complement your regular medical care. The research team will coordinate with your physician to ensure comprehensive care. Your regular doctor remains an important part of your healthcare team throughout the trial.
Safety & Rights
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is a process where you learn all important details about a trial before agreeing to participate. This includes the purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, alternatives, and your rights. You'll receive this information both verbally and in writing, have time to ask questions, and can take the consent form home to review.
How is my privacy protected?
Your medical information is protected by HIPAA laws and strict confidentiality protocols. Your name and identifying information are kept separate from study data. Published results never include individual participant identities. Only authorized research personnel have access to your information.
What if I experience side effects?
The research team closely monitors all participants for side effects. You'll have 24/7 access to the study team for any concerns. All side effects are documented and addressed immediately. If serious side effects occur, you may be withdrawn from the study for your safety, and appropriate medical care will be provided.
Will I find out the results of the trial?
Most trials offer to share overall results with participants after the study is completed and analyzed. This typically happens 6-12 months after the trial ends. You can request a summary of the findings, though individual results may not always be available.
Using Health Pioneer
Is Health Pioneer's service free?
Yes, our service is completely free for patients. We never charge for helping you find and connect with clinical trials. We're funded through partnerships with research organizations who value our ability to connect them with qualified, motivated participants.
How does Health Pioneer protect my information?
We use bank-level encryption and HIPAA-compliant security measures to protect your data. We never share your personal information without your explicit consent. You control what information is shared with research teams, and you can delete your account and data at any time.
Can Health Pioneer guarantee I'll be accepted into a trial?
While we can't guarantee acceptance, we significantly increase your chances by matching you with trials you're likely to qualify for. Our platform pre-screens based on eligibility criteria, saving you time and connecting you with the most suitable studies. Our goal is to achieve industry-leading matching success rates.
What support does Health Pioneer provide?
We provide comprehensive support including personalized trial matching, help understanding eligibility criteria, assistance with the application process, patient advocate consultations, educational resources about trials, and ongoing support throughout your participation.
Still Have Questions?
Our patient advocates are here to help you navigate your clinical trial journey. Get personalized guidance and support.