What are clinical studies?
Clinical studies are research investigations conducted with human participants to evaluate medical, surgical, or behavioral interventions. These studies help determine whether new treatments, devices, diagnostic tools, or prevention strategies are safe and effective. Clinical studies are essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.
There are two main types of clinical studies:
- Clinical Trials (Interventional Studies): Researchers assign participants to specific interventions and study the effects.
- Observational Studies: Researchers observe participants without altering their normal routines or treatment plans.
Objectives of Clinical Studies
Evaluate Preventive Measures: Study vaccines, screenings, or lifestyle changes that could prevent illness.
Test New Treatments: Assess drugs, vaccines, therapies, or procedures.
Improve Current Treatments: Compare new treatments with existing standards.
Understand Disease Progression: Track health changes over time in specific populations.
Identify Risk Factors: Examine environmental, genetic, or lifestyle-related factors influencing health.