What is Clinical Research? FAQs Answered by National Jewish Health

National Jewish Health Clinical Research Manager, D Sundström answers frequently asked questions about participating in clinical research. “Is it safe?” How much time is involved?” “Who monitors the studies?” Watch to learn more.


Related Videos



D Sundström: We continually look to discover new ways of treating ailments. All the medications that we take now once were in clinical trials. The key to clinical research are the participants.
They are the ones who bring ideas from people in the lab through to medications, devices, and treatment regiments that can then be used by people all over the world.

Sondra Watkins: We knew we had five months and then if it was a placebo in five months, she was going to get the real deal. We wanted to do it regardless to help any kid.

Taylor-Cousar: People who participate in research come from all different walks of life. Every different trial has criteria, but you really should call if you have any interest at all in a
particular trial to see if you meet those criteria.

D Sundström: When you're a participant in clinical research, you learn a lot about your particular ailment or disease. And you also have access to medications and treatments, sometimes well before
other people do. You're interfacing with some of the top clinicians. And oftentimes, you get reimbursed for your time and effort to be here.

Taylor-Cousar: If you're interested in participating in a clinical trial, there's always somebody on the other end of the line that's going to be very excited to explain the clinical trial to you
and see if it's a good fit for you.

D Sundström: Oftentimes, people have questions about the safety of a clinical trial. And that is of paramount concern to us and to all professionals in clinical research. First and foremost, the
clinical trial is conducted by a team of clinical research professionals. In addition, we have those governing bodies like the Food and Drug Administration and our Institutional Review Board that
actually consists of not only people who work at the hospital like doctors, nurses, but people from outside in the community and they're all looking out for the safety and welfare of participants.

D Sundström: You are a volunteer in a clinical research trial and if for whatever reason, it isn't going well, you also have an opportunity to gracefully bow out.

D Sundström: Clinical trials are an important decision. There is a lot of questions involved that you most certainly will have. Tell me more about why this trial is being done. Who's funding this
trial? What are the past experiences with this medication? What are the potential benefits? What are the potential side effects? And really, what's the involvement?

D Sundström: There's a big range in the time commitment involved in clinical trials, and that's something you're going to review when you first have a conversation with a clinical research
coordinator. Some trials involve just a very brief questionnaire, it may take less than an hour. Some are studying a medication and may take a year or longer.

Taylor-Cousar: One of the benefits of coming to National Jewish Health is that you're not going to just get some of the best care in the world, but you're also going to have the opportunity to
participate in clinical research and that clinical research may benefit you or it may benefit people all across the world.

D Sundström: National Jewish Health has a long history of doing clinical research, looking to really discover new treatments, to cure diseases, and to educate people about their diseases.
