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What is KPStudySearch?
KP Study Search is a dedicated online platform developed to offer the latest information on clinical trials that are being performed within different areas served by Kaiser Permanente in the U.S. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive resource about active clinical trials across a wide range of diseases, conditions and risk factors.
How Do You Ensure Information on a Listed Clinical Trial is Accurate?
Clinical trial information on KP Study Search is first submitted by Kaiser Permanente trialists or their designated representatives. Each clinical trial entry undergoes a thorough review process, beginning with confirmation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Once this initial validation is complete, the remaining information describing the clinical trial is carefully reviewed for accuracy and completeness before it is published on KP Study Search.
Does KP Study Search Provide Medical Advice?
KP Study Search does
not
offer any medical advice or recommendations for specific conditions or treatments. The information available on our site is intended to provide information about active clinical trials that are being performed in various geographic areas served by Kaiser Permanente. Information about clinical trials in KP Study Search is not a substitute for professional medical consultation. For personalized health inquiries, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Where Can I Find a Comprehensive List of Clinical Trials?
For a complete listing of federally and privately supported clinical trials in the U.S., including those outside of Kaiser Permanente, visit ClinicalTrials.gov (Home | ClinicalTrials.gov). This resource provides information on studies conducted across the country and around the world.
What is Clinical Research?
Clinical research is the cornerstone of medical advancement. It involves rigorous investigation to uncover new and improved methods for understanding, diagnosing, controlling, and treating diseases. Through these studies, researchers aim to answer critical scientific and health-related questions, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.
What is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial is a research study where participants are assigned to receive one or more interventions, which may include a placebo or other control, to assess their effects on health-related outcomes. These trials are designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and impact of new treatments or interventions
What is a Protocol?
A protocol is the blueprint for a clinical trial, outlining the study’s objectives, design, methodology, and operational details. It includes criteria for participant selection, schedules for tests and treatments, and procedures to ensure the study is conducted ethically and scientifically. Each protocol is meticulously reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that the study is both rigorous and ethical.
What is a Placebo?
A placebo is a substance with no therapeutic effect used in clinical trials as a control to compare against the active treatment being tested. Placebos help researchers determine whether the effects of a new treatment are due to the treatment itself or other factors, such as participants’ expectations.
What is “Expanded Access”?
Expanded access allows patients with serious or life-threatening conditions to access investigational drugs that are not yet available through standard clinical trials. This pathway provides an opportunity for patients who do not qualify for clinical trials to receive potentially beneficial treatments. For more information, visit the FDA’s website on expanded access programs. (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/expanded-access)
How Can I Find Information on Expanded Access Studies?
To find expanded access trials, search for “Expanded Access” under Clinical Trial Type in the Advanced Search section of our site.
What are Clinical Trial Phases?
Clinical trials are conducted in phases, each designed to answer specific research questions:
Phase I:
Tests a new drug or treatment in a small group to evaluate its safety, dosage, and identify side effects.
Phase II:
Involves a larger group to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and further evaluate its safety.
Phase III:
Conducted on a large scale to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare with existing treatments.
Phase IV:
Post-marketing studies to gather additional information on long-term effects and overall impact on various populations.
What Protections Are in Place for Clinical Trial Participants?
In the United States, every clinical trial must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This committee ensures the study’s ethical standards and participant safety, reviewing protocols to minimize risks and ensure that potential benefits outweigh any harm. The IRB can halt a study if it finds unexpected risks or if the treatment proves to be significantly effective.
What is Informed Consent?
Informed consent is a crucial part of participating in a clinical trial. Before joining, participants receive a document detailing the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. They can discuss the study with the research team, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Participants can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who Can Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Eligibility for clinical trials is determined by specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which consider factors such as age, disease type, medical history, and current health condition. These criteria ensure participant safety and the study’s validity, and they help researchers obtain meaningful results.
Who Sponsors Clinical Trials and Where Do They Take Place?
Clinical trials are sponsored by a range of entities including government agencies, private organizations, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, and individual researchers. They can be conducted in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, or specialized research centers.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Participating in a clinical trial?
Benefits:
Access to new treatments before they are widely available
Expert medical care at a leading institutions
An active role in your healthcare
Contribution to advancing medical research
Risks:
Potential side effects, which may be serious
The treatment may not work for everyone
Possible travel and time commitments
Health insurance may not cover all the study-related costs.
Can a Participant Leave a Clinical Trial?
Yes, participation is always voluntary. Individuals can choose to withdraw from a clinical trial at any point—before it starts, during, or after it has concluded.
How to Search and Use KP Study Search?
You can explore KP Study Search in a few simple ways:
Search by Clinical Specialty or Body Part: Quickly find studies related to specific areas of interest, such as "cancer" or "cervical cancer."
Advanced Search: Use this feature to refine your search with customizable filters. Adjust or add criteria to tailor the search results to your specific needs.
Do I Need Medical Terminology to Search?
No, you don’t need to be familiar with medical jargon. KP Study Search is designed to be user-friendly, and our search function will interpret your criteria and provide relevant results.
Are All Kaiser Permanente Studies Listed?
While KP Study Search strives to provide the most current and comprehensive listings of clinical trials and research projects within Kaiser Permanente, it may not include every study. We make every effort to keep the information up to date and accurate, but completeness cannot be guaranteed.
How to Sign Up for a Study?
KP Study Search provides information about available studies but does not handle sign-ups. For details on participating in a specific study, refer to the contact email or phone number listed at the bottom of the study’s information page. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision about participating in a clinical trial or research project.
Need More Help or Have Questions?
For assistance with searching KP Study Search or other inquiries, please visit our
Contact Us
page to submit your questions or feedback. For regional research group inquiries, use the contact forms provided on the respective
Regional Research Site’s Contact Us
page.
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