A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments—such as drugs or devices—on volunteers to see if they are safe and effective. These studies are run by qualified doctors and research staff.

Clinical trials happen in four phases:

Phase I – Small group, checks safety and dosage.

Phase II – More people, tests effectiveness and side effects.

Phase III – Large group, confirms results and compares to current treatments.

Phase IV – After approval, gathers more safety and long-term data.

Each trial has rules about who can take part. These rules—called eligibility criteria—help keep volunteers safe and make sure the study gets accurate results.

Some trials look for people with a certain illness, while others need healthy volunteers. Things like age, gender, medical history, and current health can affect whether you qualify.

In a clinical trial, volunteers are placed into different groups. One group may receive the new treatment being studied, while another may get a placebo (a look-alike with no active medicine) or a standard treatment.

Sometimes, neither the participants nor the research team knows who is getting which treatment. This helps ensure the results are fair and unbiased. No matter what group you are in, you will receive the same high level of care and attention.

Before deciding, talk with your doctor or healthcare team. Learn about the study staff’s experience and the facility where the trial will take place. You might ask:

What is the purpose of the trial?

What treatments will I get and how?

How long will it last and where is it held?

How will my safety be checked?

What are the risks and possible benefits?

Will I have to pay anything?

Before you join, you’ll get a health check, and your medical history will be reviewed. You’ll also receive a consent form that explains exactly what’s expected of you and what to expect from the trial.