An
Introduction to Clinical Research Studies
Choosing to participate in a clinical research study is an important
personal decision for you and your family. The following frequently
asked questions provide detailed information about clinical research
studies. In addition, it is often helpful to talk to a physician
or other healthcare provider, family members, or friends about deciding
to volunteer for a clinical research study. After identifying some
research study options, the next step is to contact the Miami Children's
Hospital Clinical Research Center and ask questions about specific
clinical research studies.
What is a clinical research study?
A clinical research study seeks answers to specific questions about
vaccines, new drugs, new medical devices or new ways of using known
treatments. Clinical research studies (also called medical research
or clinical trials) are used to determine whether these potential
new treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted
clinical research studies are the fastest and safest way to find
treatments that work in people.
Why participate in a clinical research study?
Participants in clinical research studies can play a more active
role in their own healthcare, or their children's healthcare, gain
access to new and innovative research treatments before they are
widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.
Where do the ideas for research studies come from?
Ideas for clinical research studies usually come from researchers.
After researchers test new therapies or procedures in the laboratory
and in animal studies, the treatments with the most promising laboratory
results are moved into clinical research studies. During a research
study, more and more information is gained about a new treatment,
its risks and how well it may or may not work.
Who sponsors clinical research studies?
Clinical research studies are sponsored or funded by a variety of
organizations, industries or individuals such as physicians, medical
institutions, foundations, voluntary groups, and pharmaceutical
and medical device companies, in addition to federal agencies such
as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of
Defense (DOD). Research studies can take place in a variety of locations,
such as hospitals, universities, doctors' offices, or community
clinics.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Miami Children's Hospital Clinical Research
Center to improve the health of children by providing patients and
health care professionals access to the newest innovations for the
diagnosis, treatment and cure of pediatric diseases.
To participate in clinical research studies you will
need to complete our online Clinical Research Study Participation
Form. If you know the type of research studies you are interested
in go directly to the clinical
research participation form.
Search for clinical
research studies.
If you are a doctor or would prefer accessing the
technical version of these research studies please click
here.