When it comes to your child’s participation in a clinical trial, we’re here to help you understand each step of the process. From meeting with the team responsible for the research study to joining a community of other trial participants and their families, here are a few things you can expect along the way.
Learn more about the potential risks and benefits to make the most informed decision for your family.
Understanding Clinical Trials printable version.
Before deciding if your child should participate in a trial, you’ll spend time with the team to review possible risks and benefits and ask any questions you may have about the study. This process is called Informed Consent:
- Informed Consent is designed to ensure participants have all the information they need to make an informed decision about trial participation.
- If you choose to have your child participate, you’ll provide written permission for additional screenings and access to your child’s health records.
- In addition to permission from parents, many clinical trials also require assent from children. Assent means that children are asked and agree to participate.
- To provide assent, children must be old enough to ask questions and understand basic facts about the clinical trial.
Another important consideration before your child begins a clinical trial is the potential impact it may have on your family’s existing lifestyle. Consider that your child being a trial participant may require the following:
- Making more trips to the doctor's office or hospital (possibly overnight).
- Seeing new doctors or specialists at different locations.
- Following more involved or complex treatment requirements.
Keep these things in mind when deciding if a trial is a good idea for your child.