Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical trial is a research study where volunteers help test new treatments before they become widely available. Each study looks at whether a treatment is safe and how well it works. By participating, you play a direct role in helping improve care for people in the future.

Every study is a little different, but most involve scheduled visits to our research center. During visits you might take a study medication, fill out questionnaires about how you're feeling, and have routine check-ups like vital signs, blood draws, or EKGs. Some studies involve staying at our facility for the length of the trial, with meals, a place to sleep, and medical staff on-site the whole time. We'll walk you through exactly what's involved before you make any decisions.

Outpatient visits are scheduled check-ins where you come to our research facility for study procedures and return home the same day. These visits are usually brief. In some cases, follow-up visits can be conducted by phone.

For some studies, you may be asked to stay at our research facility overnight. You'll have a comfortable place to rest, meals and snacks provided, and care from our medical team around the clock. This helps us safely monitor your health and collect important study information. The length of stay depends on the study, and we'll let you know upfront. You're always free to leave if you change your mind.

It's possible. Some studies compare a new treatment against a placebo (an inactive treatment) to measure how well it works. If a study uses a placebo, we'll explain that to you beforehand, including your chances of receiving one. Not all studies include a placebo, so feel free to ask.

Absolutely. Participation is always your choice. You can withdraw at any time, for any reason, with no penalty and no effect on your regular medical care. You never have to explain why, and our team will support you either way.

It depends on the study. Some trials welcome participants who are currently on medication, while others may ask you to pause or adjust what you're taking before enrolling. Our team will go over your current medications during screening and help you figure out if a study is a good match.

Not necessarily. Some studies are open to people who are experiencing symptoms but haven't been formally diagnosed. Our physicians will do a thorough evaluation during screening at no cost to you, which can be helpful regardless of whether you end up joining a study.

Before you join any study, we sit down with you and go over everything: what the treatment is, how it works, what the potential risks and side effects are, and what your options are if something doesn't feel right. Risks can include the treatment not working for you, time away from your routine, or possible side effects. Our medical team is here to support you throughout.

Our physicians and nurses keep a close eye on your health throughout the study. If something feels off, reach out to our team right away. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost, and we'll work with you on next steps, whether that means adjusting your care or stepping out of the study.

Yes. Your personal and medical information is protected under HIPAA and other privacy regulations. We will not share your information with your employer, your insurance company, or anyone outside the research team without your written permission.

It should not. All study-related care is provided at no cost, and you don't need health insurance to participate. Your involvement is confidential and is not reported to insurance companies.

Each study has its own guidelines, like age range, health condition, and medical history. The best way to find out if there's a study for you is to get in touch with us. We'll help match you with a study that fits, and the initial screening visit is always free.

You'll receive study-related medical care and evaluations from licensed doctors at no cost, and health insurance isn't needed. You may also receive compensation for your time and travel. Beyond the personal benefits, your participation helps researchers develop treatments that can improve lives down the road.

There are four phases, and each has a different focus. Phase I studies test a new treatment in a small group to make sure it's safe. These often involve staying at our facility so the medical team can monitor you closely. Phase II studies include more people and look at how well the treatment works. Phase III studies are larger and help confirm results before the FDA decides whether to approve the treatment. Phase IV studies happen after a treatment is already approved and look at how it works over the long term. CNRI runs studies across all four phases.

Many studies offer compensation for your time and travel. The amount depends on the study, including how many visits are involved and how long it lasts. Compensation is never intended to influence your decision. We'll go over the details with you during the screening process so you know what to expect.

Every study is reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is an independent ethics committee focused on protecting participants. The IRB continues to monitor the study as it runs. Federal agencies like the FDA also oversee clinical research to make sure it meets strict safety standards.

The NIH provides resources at The Basics – NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Consult your healthcare provider or CNRI's study team for additional information.