Why ADCA Participates in Clinical Trials
From our perspective, clinical trials allow us to offer the newest, most promising therapies to our patients before they are released to the general public. We select studies we believe have the potential to benefit our patients and contribute to the advancement of medical science.Participating in Clinical Research
What is a Research Study?
Clinical research is instrumental in the discovery of new and better ways to treat illness and disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all devices and medications to be thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness before they can be prescribed by your doctor. A clinical trial is a partnership between doctors, participants, study sponsors and the FDA to study a medication or device. In a clinical trial, information is collected from participants who are treated with study medications or study devices and then reported to the sponsor and FDA. Carefully conducted clinical research studies are a way to find treatments that will work for people in the future.Why Participate in a Research Study?
Participants in research studies can learn more about their own condition and about new research treatments before they are widely available. They also help others by contributing to medical research.As a qualified participant in a clinical trial:
- You may be benefitting your future and the future of others by helping with the evaluation of new medications or devices.
- All visits and procedures related to the study are free of charge. Those may include physical examinations, doctor visits, dietary counseling, study medications and laboratory testing.
- You may have access to new research treatments before they are widely available.
- You may learn more about your condition or disease and the latest treatments available.
What Happens During a Clinical Trial?
Participating in a clinical trial is much like a regular visit to the doctor’s office, hospital or medical clinic. Participants are treated professionally and with respect and care.During a clinical trial, a device may be used, a study medication administered, or you may simply be observed. All tests and procedures are performed according to a research protocol, which has detailed guidelines the research staff and physician follow. The research protocol is designed by the study sponsor to measure the effectiveness and safety of the study medication or procedure.
Are Clinical Trials Safe?
Participant safety is the number one priority of any member of the study team. Each participant is given a consent form to sign that describes the most common risks for the study medication or device that is being studied and potential benefits of participating in the study. You will be able to discuss the informed consent form with your family, your primary doctor and our study staff. We will help you fully understand the risks and potential benefits of participating in the study and your rights as a research participant. Your medical condition will be monitored throughout the study by our experienced research staff and cardiologists. Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time.What If I Already Have a Cardiologist?
You should continue to see your own doctor for all non-study related medical matters and to discuss your participation in the clinical trial. At your request, our staff can keep your doctor informed about your participation in the study.How Will I Know if I am Eligible?
Every trial attempts to answer specific research questions. To do this, each trial has certain requirements abut a participant’s medication, age and current and past medical history. You must meet the requirements of a particular trial to be an eligible participant.What Studies Are Currently Being Conducted?
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF) requiring medication or ablation therapy.
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Patients with High Cholesterol
- Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation
- Gout