Conversations with doctors can feel rushed, and it's easy to forget important questions in the moment. This checklist is designed to help you prepare for an appointment where you are discussing whether a clinical trial might be right for you. Print it out, take it with you, and don't be afraid to ask for written answers you can review later.
About the Trial Itself
- What is the purpose of this trial? What question is it trying to answer?
- What phase is this trial (Phase I, II, or III), and what does that mean for me?
- Has this treatment been tested in people before? What were the results?
- Who is running this trial? Is it a hospital, a research organisation, or a pharmaceutical company?
- How many people are in this trial?
About What Participation Involves
- What will happen at each visit, and how many visits will there be?
- How often will I need to come to the clinic?
- Will I need any extra tests, scans, or biopsies that I wouldn't have as part of my usual care?
- How long will my involvement in the trial last?
- Will I need to change any of my current medications?
Tip: Ask if you can take the Patient Information Sheet home to read carefully before deciding. You are entitled to as much time as you need — and you can always call the research team with follow-up questions before signing the consent form.
About Risks and Benefits
- What are the known or possible side effects of the treatment being tested?
- How will side effects be monitored and managed?
- Is there any chance this trial could harm me?
- What are the possible benefits to me personally?
- If the trial treatment works well for me, will I be able to continue receiving it after the trial ends?
About Randomisation and Blinding
- Is this a randomised trial? If so, what are the chances of being in each group?
- Will I receive a placebo (an inactive treatment)? Will I still receive my standard treatment?
- Will I know which treatment I am receiving during the trial?
- If I am assigned to the standard care group, will I have access to the new treatment later if it is shown to work?
About Withdrawing and Your Rights
- Can I leave the trial at any time if I change my mind?
- Will leaving the trial affect my standard medical care?
- What happens to my data if I withdraw?
- Who do I contact if I have concerns during the trial?
- Is there a 24-hour number I can call if something goes wrong between visits?
Practical Questions
- Will my travel costs to clinic visits be covered?
- Will I be paid for participating?
- Who should I contact if I have questions once the trial has started?
- How will I find out about the results of the trial?
If you are considering a trial with KCLEAGENICS MEDICAL, our research team is happy to answer any of these questions before you make a decision. Get in touch or visit our patient information page.
Published by
KCLEAGENICS MEDICAL Research Team
March 2025
