According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “A clinical study involves research using human volunteers (also called participants) that is intended to add to medical knowledge.” Within this broad definition, there are many varieties of clinical research studys. Some trials examine new treatment methods, while others assess ways to prevent diseases. Some trials evaluate techniques for screening individuals for medical issues, while others aim to identify patterns and causes of certain health conditions. If you’re considering participating in medical research, you might find it interesting to explore the types of clinical research studys.
Types of clinical research studys
Preventive Trials
How can we fend off a disease (or its complications)? How can we prevent a disease from returning? Preventive trials seek to answer these sorts of questions. They explore a variety of different medical interventions, including drugs, vitamins, vaccines, lifestyle changes, and more.
Screening Trials
In screening trials, investigators seek new ways to identify diseases, disorders, and health conditions. However, they aren’t just used to locate effective screening procedures. They also help determine whether those procedures save lives and at what cost. Two examples of successful screening procedures are Pap tests (used to screen for cervical cancer) and mammograms (used to screen for breast cancer).
Diagnostic Trials
Diagnostic trials help investigators find better tests and procedures for diagnosing particular conditions. To ensure that the new procedures are worthwhile, they also compare them to any current methods used for diagnosis.
Treatment Trials
Most people think of treatment trials when they think about clinical research studys. Treatment trials test experimental medical interventions, including drugs, combinations of drugs, medical devices, approaches to surgery, therapies, and more.
Quality of Life Trials
People living with a chronic illness sometimes suffer from decreased quality of life. To help these people and improve their comfort and care, investigators use quality of life trials. They’re also called supportive care trials.
Genetic Studies
Genetic disorders (such as Crohn’s disease, breast cancer, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, amongst many others) are caused in whole or in part by an abnormality in a person’s genetic material. To improve the prediction accuracy of genetic disorders, investigators use genetic studies, which explore how genes and illness may be related. They focus on the ways in which a person’s genes make them more or less likely to develop a particular disorder.
Epidemiological Studies
Does exposure to a particular substance cause adverse health effects? Is there a correlation between the two? This is what epidemiological studies aim to find out. They try to identify the general causes, patterns, or control of diseases in large groups of people.
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As you can see, the different types of clinical research studys vary immensely. So if you’re interested in participating in medical research, spend a little time learning about the focus of the research before you apply.
To get started, check out QPS Missouri if you live in the southwest Missouri region. QPS Missouri is looking for new participants. Since opening its doors in 1994, QPS Missouri has conducted over 1,000 FDA-regulated studies, paying out over $35 million to local participants. Your local participation could have a global impact, as QPS is an international leader in contract research with facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our mission is to accelerate the development of drugs worldwide by enabling breakthroughs in pharmaceutical innovation. If you would like to join us in this mission, consider applying for a clinical research study.
To get started, you simply need to fill out an online application. Within 48 business hours, a recruiting coordinator will contact you for your pre-screening assessment. To learn more, please visit the QPS Missouri website, review the study participation process, or check out our list of FAQ.