From time to time, I am asked by someone about participating in a medical research study. These situations are usually when an individual, or someone close to them, has unmet medical needs. Understandably, a patient with a condition who is not improving on standard treatment, would be amenable to participating in a clinical trial to receive experimental treatment. I find that most folks misunderstand and exaggerate the benefits they may receive as a medical study participant. Sometimes, I feel their ‘misunderstanding’ is fueled by study investigators who may overtly or unconsciously sanitize their presentation to patients and their families. There is no malice here. Investigators have biases and likely believe that their experimental treatment actually works. Their optimism is likely evident in their communications. Here’s what an investigator might say to a patient. I thought you would be interested in a new clinical trial testing a new medicine for your disease. P
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