Research
American Health Network offers clinical research at several sites in Indiana and each site offers many different studies. Click the links on the right hand side to find out more information on the current studies.
Clinical trials offer you a chance to try new treatments. Should you participate in a clinical trial?
You may have heard about clinical trials — studies of possible new treatments or medications — but wonder what exactly they are and if one might be right for you.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials, also called clinical research, are studies designed to find answers to specific health questions. Clinical trials often look at new drugs or new combinations of drugs (new or old), new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. Qualified patients may receive study related medication, medical care, and lab work at no cost to them.
The potential benefits of participating in a clinical trial include the following:
- Access to promising new approaches often not available outside the clinical trial setting
- Treatment that may be more effective than the standard approach
- Close monitoring by a research team of doctors and other health professionals
- Opportunity to be the first to benefit from the new method under study
- Adding to what is known about your condition, possibly leading to improved options in the future
The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new treatment both works and is safe. In fact, new medications cannot be sold in the United States until they have been through clinical trials.
Why do people volunteer for clinical trials?
Many people volunteer for clinical trials because it's an opportunity to help researchers find new ways to fight disease. However, there is no guarantee that the treatment will be effective for you, although physicians have a strong belief that the study drug or treatment will provide benefits equal to or better than the current standard therapies.
If you're considering a clinical trial because you have been diagnosed with a disease, it's important to take time to learn about your condition and your treatment options. Talk with your doctor and other health care providers, and discuss your options with those close to you.
Patients participating in clinical trials may qualify for free medicine and lab work. Could you benefit from participating in a clinical trial? Call 877.340.7291 to learn more or click here to apply. (Indiana residents only)
