Are you interested in participating in clinical trials? Western Health is looking for participants.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that test new medicines, treatments, or ways to prevent illness.
They help make sure treatments are safe, work well, and are better than what is already available.
They also help identify possible side effects. Western Health is committed to ensuring that First Nations people can participate in clinical trials in ways that are beneficial, respectful and safe.
Why take part in a clinical trial?
People choose to take part for different reasons, including:
- Access to new treatments not yet widely available
- Close care and support from the research team
- Helping improve treatments for future patients.
Are clinical trials safe?
Clinical trials are carefully planned to reduce risks, but some risks may still be unknown.
Extra visits or tests may also be needed. To help keep participants safe:
- All trials follow strict government guidelines
- They must be approved by ethics committees
- These committees protect your safety, rights, and wellbeing
- Some committees include or are led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
What happens if you decide to take part?
The research team will explain the study clearly, including what will happen and what you may need to do. You can ask questions at any time.
If you decide to take part, you will sign a consent form. Not everyone who is interested can join, the team will check if the study is right for you. Taking part is your choice. You can stop at any time, and your usual care will not be affected.
For more information about clinical trials at Western Health, please visit this page.
Western Health is happy to receive telephone calls or emails from health care professionals on behalf of patients if this is an easier first step.
Contact us: whcda@wh.org.au or Western Health Research Office: (03) 8395 8070.
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Western Health. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
