Potential Benefits
It is important to understand that clinical research is different than medical treatment. Unlike the medical treatment that your child might receive from their doctor or a hospital, clinical research is conducted to gain information about a disease, condition, drug or treatment that may benefit children in the future. However, by participating in clinical research, your child might receive benefits such as:
- Helping future generations
- Having access to exciting new research
- Gaining information about a disease or illness
Potential Risks
The possibility of risk exist in any research study. The specific risks associated with a clinical trial are described in detail in the consent/assent document, which you and your child will sign before taking part in research.
Safety
There are many safety measures in place to protect volunteers involved in clinical research, with special protections for children. If you and your child decide that you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, there is a consent process that you both will be part of that includes discussions with various members of the scientific community concerning specifics of the trial and potential benefits and risks.
If you and your child agree to participate, you will sign a consent form and your child will provide their agreement, through a process of assent. Although you and your child decide to participate, at any time, either of you can decide to withdraw from the clinical trial or not take part in specific procedures.
For more detailed information on the benefits, risks and safety of children in clinical trials, visit: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/childrenandclinicalstudies/safety.php