Questions to ask
Before you agree to participate in a research study, ask the study coordinator or principal investigator these questions.
- Why is the research being done?
- Will there be any unpleasant side effects?
- What will be done to me as part of the research?
- Will the research help me personally?
- Could the research hurt me?
- What other options do I have?
- What will the researcher do with my information?
- Can I leave the study at any time?
- Will the research cost me anything personally?
- Who pays if I’m unexpectedly injured in the study?
- How long will the study last?
- What happens if I decide to leave the study early?
- Who should I call if I have a question about the research?
Additional information about participation in clinical trials is available from:
The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_6_3_Clinical_Trials_-_Patient_Participation.asp
Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation
English Brochure: www.ciscrp.org/information/CISCRP_Brochure.pdf
Spanish Brochure: www.ciscrp.org/information/SpanishBrochure.pdf
CISCRP FAQs for Patients and Families www.ciscrp.org/information/patients.asp