Volunteers ask me lots of questions as they are deciding if they want to participate in a clinical trial, but here’s one that I’m almost never asked: Do patients who participate in clinical trials have better health outcomes than those who do not?
In fact, there is evidence that patients treated in clinical trials survive longer (see Should I Enter a Clinical Trial?; Why talk to your patients about clinical trials; Clinical Studies – Myths vs. Facts).
There is even evidence that patients treated at hospitals who participate in trials receive better care and have lower mortality (see Better Outcomes for Patients Treated at Hospitals That Participate in Clinical Trials). Why would this be the case when almost certainly many participants in these studies were receiving placebo treatment?
The reason patients in studies have better health outcomes is actually pretty obvious. First, study patients are working with physicians and researchers who are experts in their fields. The clinical study will likely require more examinations and tests than is normal for their condition, which means patients receive extra observation by these experts. Also, patients who participate in studies become empowered by taking an active role in their health care, and they learn more about treating and managing their condition.
I’m reminded of Gary (not his real name). When Gary entered a Type 2 diabetes study his diabetes was out of control. He was tired, had blurry vision, and his feet hurt all the time. As is usual with clinical trials, Gary and his doctor were “blinded” as to which investigational diabetes medication Gary received, but the medication worked for Gary. His blood sugar levels came into the normal range; his vision cleared up; his feet hurt much less, and his energy level improved.
The point is that as a result of study participation, Gary was treated for his diabetes and received education to help him understand and manage his diabetes better. During the study Gary learned which foods greatly increased his blood sugar levels. By the end of the study Gary had learned so much about management of his diabetes that he was able to take charge of his disease and manage his diabetes in a much more effective manner. To me, this was a win-win situation: medical research was advanced by Gary’s participation in the clinical trial and his health and knowledge of his condition improved.
If you are interested in learning more about our studies contact the Clinical Research Center at 541-766-2163 or send an email to research@corvallisclinic.com.
– Julie Carrico is Associate Coordinator of The Corvallis Clinic Clinical Research Center
