For patients and consumers
Clinical trials
Clinical trials are research investigations that evaluate the effects of one or more health-related interventions on health outcomes. Further information on clinical trials, including how to be part of a clinical trial and real stories from patients, doctors and researchers, is available on the Australian Clinical Trials consumer information website.
You can talk to health professionals involved in your care about clinical trial opportunities. To search for clinical trials currently recruiting throughout Metro North Hospital and Health Service facilities and other locations across Australia and New Zealand visit the Australian Clinical Trials website.
Rights and responsibilities
If you are invited to participate in a research project or a clinical trial, it is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities.
You have the right to full and complete information about what the study means for you personally. This process is known as informed consent.
To help you decide whether or not to be part of a trial, a member of the research team will explain details about the study, such as its purpose, duration, required procedures, risks and potential benefits. You will be given a participant information sheet and consent form and have the opportunity to ask about anything that is not clear to you or that you do not understand.
It is your choice whether or not you want to join a research study. Only you can decide whether joining a trial is right for you or not. Before deciding whether or not to take part, you might want to talk about it with a relative, friend or your local doctor.
- You have the right to withdraw from a research study whenever you want, and for any reason.
- You have the right to ask questions about the study, both before it begins and as it continues.
Further information regarding the process of informed consent and the potential benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial is available.
Questions about your clinical trial or research study?
If you are a participant in a clinical trial or research study, details of who to contact will be described in the participant information sheet, which is a document provided by a member of the research team as part of the consent process.
If you have any concerns or complaints about any aspect of a research project or the way it is being conducted then you should contact a Research Governance Officer or Human Research Ethics Committee Coordinator/Chairperson in Metro North Hospital and Health Service, who will initiate the appropriate follow-up and response.