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Why join a research study?
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| Research is a systematic way of learning more about a special area of interest, including medicine. Medical research investigates the causes, complications, treatment & prevention of illness. It is used to reduce the impact of poor health and improve the quality of life of the community. This fact sheet examines issues related to research studies. Why is medical research important?Medical research aims to improve the health and well-being of the community: it helps us to understand the causes of diseases, what might prevent them, and what will be the most effective and safest treatment. For example, without medical research we would not understand the importance of a healthy diet in reducing the risk of heart disease. Research may also be focused on improving health rather than curing disease. Studying ways to promote good mental health or healthy ageing are examples of this type of research. The publication of medical research is also important, so that the results can be made available to all communities, and can be carefully checked in a range of settings. One of the common types of medical research is the “clinical trial”. What is a clinical trial?A clinical trial is a scientific study of a treatment or drug, where the results for a group of people who receive the treatment are compared to the results for a group of people who receive a different treatment or no treatment. For example, some studies have compared the effect of bed rest or staying active on lower back pain. Other clinical trials have been used to confirm the safety and effectiveness of new medicines or more effective ways to use existing medicines. Clinical trials are the main way that researchers find out if a promising treatment is safe and effective for patients. They also tell researchers which treatments are more effective than others. Why do people participate in clinical trials?One possible advantage of particpation is the opportunity to access new medicines, before they are widely available. Some patients believe the research study or clinical trial may help them or that they are making a contribution to knowledge that will help others. Those who do participate describe a sense of making a difference, giving something back, and doing something proactive to fight the disease. Benefits of participating in dementia clinical trials at HKHAt HKH one benefit of participation in a clinical trial is the regular contact with the study team. These visits provide an opportunity to access state-of-the art Alzheimer’s care and also talk on an ongoing basis with experts who have practical experience and a broad perspective on the disease. Clinicians can suggest ways to cope with the present and give insights into what to expect in the future. Perhaps, the greatest benefit of research is the powerful feeling of hope expressed by many families. The Curran Ageing Research Unit is committed to providing research excellence in aged care. Choosing to participate in a research trial is a very personal decision, and not all eligible people will want to participate. To find out more you might like to review our fact sheet on our current research studies, and information about the Curran Ageing Research Unit. If you review our studies and think that participation in one of them is right for you or someone that you care for, please ring the research coordinator on 02 9477 9283. Useful links
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