Clinical Trials Infographic

The Clinical Trial Journey

When you participate in a clinical trial, you can learn about your own health and help researchers discover new ways to prevent or treat health conditions—now, and for generations to come.

Scroll down to learn more.

A man appears deep in thought. Text reads, "What is a clinical trial?"

Charts, graphs, and documents appear behind the man. Text reads, "A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, procedures, or behavioral interventions on people."

Text reads, "Most clinical trials look something like this:"

Text reads, "Recruitment." A patient is looking through a pamphlet with a doctor.

Text reads, "You may learn about a clinical trial through an ad, a referral from your doctor, or by directly contacting a trial site."

Two researchers review brain scans on a large monitor.

Text reads, "Researchers conduct clinical trials for many brain and nervous system conditions including multiple sclerosis, ALS, epilepsy, stroke, and more."

Text reads, "Screening." Two researchers are reviewing paperwork on a clipboard one of them is holding.

Text reads, "Researchers will check to make sure you meet the study criteria. And if you're eligible, they'll explain the risks and benefits of participating and ask for your informed consent."

A patient reviews information a doctor is showing her on a tablet.

Text reads, "Even if you don't pass the screening, they may offer to provide you with information about future trials."

Text reads, "Baseline Visit." A clinician is getting a patient ready for an MRI.

Text reads, "At the baseline visit, researchers will gather some basic data before starting the treatment. They may collect samples of your blood or urine. And they may conduct tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures."

A man is filling out a form on a clipboard.

Text reads, "They may also use questionnaires or ask about your medical history. The baseline visit is also when they'll usually randomly assign you to a treatment or a control group (the group that doesn't receive the new treatment being studied)."

Text reads, "Treatment." A clinician is handing a patient a prescription bottle.

Text reads, "Now that the trial is under way, you'll begin the treatment according to the researchers' instructions. During this phase, researchers will monitor side effects and collect data monitoring your response to the treatment."

A woman is writing in a journal.

Text reads, "They may make adjustments to the treatment. And they might ask you to fill out a symptom diary or keep track of things like diet or exercise. This phase may last weeks, months, or even years."

Text reads, "Follow-up Care." A clinician is checking a patient's blood pressure.

Text reads, "Once the treatment phase is over, you'll usually have follow-up visits for additional testing, interviews, and examinations."

A doctor is speaking with a patient.

Text reads, "You may be asked to report any health changes that happen so researchers can learn more about long-term effects and health outcomes. Finally, once the study ends, researchers may share their findings with you."

Text reads, "Every Trial Is Different. The details of each clinical trial will vary." A patient reviews information on a table with a doctor.

A timeline depicts the five stages of a clinical trial to summarize the process.

A calendar is displaying multiple months. Text reads, "And it can take years for a drug, device, or treatment to go from testing in trials to full FDA approval."

Text reads, "Clinical trials not only help make sure our medicines and treatments are safe, but they also lead to scientific breakthroughs that can revolutionize health." Three clinicians are standing together.

To learn more about clinical research and how to participate in a trial or study, visit ninds.nih.gov/clinical-trials .

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