Over the past 20 years, the science of performing clinical research has evolved. Medicine and health care will forever be indispensable, and the pharmaceutical industry has seen its fair share of fluctuations.
Although mergers, acquisitions and layoffs in the industry may appear to spell trouble, areas in clinical research are thriving. Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) have seen consistent growth in revenue year after year. This growth continues despite the decline in our economy.
As unemployment continues to rise, CROs are seeing the benefit of increased patient involvement. Patient participation in clinical studies is not only beneficial from a financial aspect, but it also allows participants the opportunity to take an active role in their own health care and medical treatment.
The following is a list of reasons patients get involved with research:
• Participants gain access to new cutting-edge medicine, therapies and/or medical devices before they are available to the public.
• Participants of clinical research are given an additional treatment option that may not otherwise exist.
• Investigational products might prove to be a more effective treatment than the current standard of care.
• Participants receive frequent, in-depth and individual medical attention from a research team of doctors, nurses, scientists and other health professionals.
• Participants are the heroes of today in that they contribute to the advancement in the medicine of tomorrow.
When patients choose to participate in clinical research, they may receive, at no cost, services such as medications, devices, supplies, medical exams and laboratory/diagnostic tests. Patients might also receive compensation for their time and travel. Many are looking for ways to earn additional income.
Clinical research is essential to the development of new medications, new treatments and new medical devices. Clinical research studies generally fall into one of the following categories:
• Treatment studies: These test new treatments, new combinations of drugs, new approaches to surgery and/or therapies, such as radiation and physical therapy.
• Prevention studies: These investigate better approaches to eliminate disease, which might include medicines, vaccines or lifestyle changes, among other things.
• Diagnostic studies: These evaluate and determine better tests or procedures for identifying a particular disease or condition.
• Screening studies: These investigate and determine the best way to detect certain diseases or health conditions.
• Quality of life studies (or supportive care studies): These explore and measure ways to improve the comfort and quality of life for people with a chronic illness.
Carefully conducted clinical research studies are seen as the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work, improve the standard of care and find ways to improve health care. In the search to understand, prevent and treat disease, clinical studies involving volunteers of a vast variety of ailments have played a vital role.
Participating in clinical research is essential for the development of new medications and new treatments. Not only do participants experience full benefits at no charge, they will also have the satisfaction of knowing that results from research studies may help others in the future.
The key to a successful study is patient involvement. Clinical research participants make a valuable contribution to this integral process of discovering new ways of screening, preventing, identifying and/or treating a disease or medical condition.
Studies are designed to help determine the correct dosage, the general safety of a drug and how long a drug may remain in a patient’s system, as well as confirm if a new drug or medicine actually works. Physicians and patients, together, become a paramount part of clinical research history.
Sheri Chandler is the vice president of marketing and operations for Synergyst Research and Discovery Clinical Trials. Synergyst Research contracts with physicians to assist with administrative duties and increase clinical research studies. In 2009, Synergyst Research negotiated more than 150 research studies in all specialties. Please visit us online at www.synergystresearch.net.
Discovery Clinical Trials partners with physicians to create research centers within private practices. In 2009, Discovery Clinical Trials created eight research center partnerships with physicians across the United States. Please visit us online at www.discoverytrials.com. For more information, e-mail sheri@synergyst.net or call 210-447-2073.
