Top 10 Questions Patients Ask About Clinical Trials (Answered)

Introduction

If you have ever searched for clinical trial questions online, you know the answers can feel scattered, technical, or downright confusing. At ClinConnect, we field thousands of patient inquiries every month, so we compiled the ten questions we hear most often—and answered them in one place. Each answer links to a deeper resource (internal or external) so you can explore further at your own pace.

Quick takeaway: Clinical trials are the engine of medical progress, but understanding how they work is essential before you decide to participate. Let’s dive into the FAQs.

1. What exactly is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a tightly controlled research study in which people volunteer to test a medical intervention—such as a new drug, device, behavioral therapy, or surgical technique—to determine its safety and effectiveness. Trials follow a pre-approved protocol that lays out who can participate, how long the study lasts, which endpoints are measured, and what safeguards protect participants.

Explore more: ClinConnect Guide—How Clinical Trials Work

2. Are clinical trials safe?

Safety is the top priority. Every U.S. trial must be reviewed by:

The FDA, which approves the overall design for drug and device studies.
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee, which assesses participant protections and ongoing safety data.
Independent data-monitoring boards (for many Phase II/III trials) that can halt a study if unexpected risks arise.

Participants are informed about known risks up front through an Informed Consent Form (ICF) and can withdraw at any time—no questions asked.

3. Who can join a trial, and how do I know if I’m eligible?

Each study lists inclusion (must-have) and exclusion (can’t-have) criteria—age ranges, diagnoses, lab values, prior treatments, and sometimes lifestyle factors. Matching manually can be tedious, so ClinConnect’s search engine auto-filters studies against the profile data you provide (e.g., condition, ZIP code) and surfaces trials where you are “Green-lit” (likely eligible) or “Yellow-flagged” (partial match).

Take a tour: ClinConnect Matching Algorithm Explained

4. What are the different phases of a clinical trial?

Phase I (20-100 participants) – Tests basic safety, dosage, and side-effect profile.
Phase II (100-300 participants) – Explores efficacy for the target condition and refines dosing.
Phase III (300-3,000+ participants) – Confirms effectiveness vs. standard of care; monitors broader safety.
Phase IV (Post-marketing) – Occurs after FDA approval to track long-term effects in real-world populations.

Each phase answers a different set of clinical trial questions about safety and benefit.

5. Will I get a placebo?

Maybe, but not always. Placebos are typically used only when no proven therapy exists or when withholding treatment poses no harm. Many oncology, rare-disease, and device studies pair the new therapy with standard of care rather than a sugar pill. Trial consent documents disclose:

Whether a placebo is used
The randomization ratio (e.g., 2:1 active : placebo)
Any available crossover option if you initially receive placebo

6. What costs am I responsible for?

In U.S. interventional studies:

Study-related costs (the investigational drug, extra scans tied to the protocol) are usually covered by the sponsor.
Routine care costs (regular doctor visits, standard lab work) are often billed to your insurance, but federal law requires most plans to cover them when you participate in an approved trial.
Travel stipends or reimbursement may be available—ClinConnect flags studies offering stipend support in the trial card.

7. How long does a trial last, and how much time will it take?

Duration ranges from a single-visit Phase I micro-study to multi-year Phase III follow-up. Protocols spell out visit frequency (e.g., weekly infusions, monthly blood draws, annual imaging). The average oncology Phase III trial requires ~35 site visits over 2-3 years, whereas many decentralized studies ship medication to your home and rely on telehealth check-ins. ClinConnect’s trial listings show an at-a-glance Visit Burden Meter so you can gauge commitment before applying.

See example: Decentralized Trials 101

8. What happens to my data and privacy?

Researchers code your personal data with an anonymous ID before sharing results outside the study site. Under HIPAA and the Common Rule, identifiable information can’t be published without your explicit permission. ClinConnect encrypts all messages (TLS 1.3 in transit, AES-256 at rest) and never shares contact details with sponsors unless you approve a connection.

Security practices: ClinConnect Privacy & HIPAA Safeguards

9. If I join, can I quit later?

Yes. Participation is voluntary, and the ICF states that you may withdraw at any time. Reasons vary—side effects, personal schedule changes, or simply a change of mind. Your clinical care team will create a safe discontinuation plan (e.g., tapering off study medication). Leaving a trial does not jeopardize your standard medical care or insurance coverage.

10. How are trial results shared with participants?

After a study closes, sponsors must post results on ClinicalTrials.gov within 12 months (FDAAA 801 rule). Many also send a lay summary to participants—plain-language highlights of safety and efficacy outcomes. ClinConnect tracks each trial you enroll in and sends you an email once the summary is available, so you’re not left wondering.

Regulatory timeline: FDA—Trial Results Reporting

Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

We hope these answers clear up your top clinical trial questions—but every study is unique, and your personal health circumstances matter. Ready to see which trials fit you today?

➡️ Sign up or Start Your Trial Search on ClinConnect—it’s fast, free, and tailored to your condition and location.

Still have questions? Email us at support@clinconnect.io or use the in-app chat. Our clinical trial navigators (real humans!) generally respond within the hour.

Because advancing medicine starts with informed patients—like you.

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