Learn about clinical research

Short, plain-English guides to help you understand how clinical trials work and what taking part really involves.

• What is a clinical trial?

  A clinical trial is a research study that tests whether a new treatment, test, or way of caring for people works well and is safe. Treatments can include medicines, vaccines, devices, surgical techniques, lifestyle changes, or talking therapies.

• Understanding clinical trial phases

  Clinical trials happen in phases. Each phase answers a different question, and a treatment normally has to pass each phase before moving on to the next.

• What is a placebo?

  A placebo is a dummy treatment — for example, a tablet that looks identical to the real medicine but contains no active ingredient.

• Understanding informed consent

  Before you can take part in a clinical trial, the research team must explain exactly what is involved, what the possible benefits and risks are, and what alternatives you have.

• How clinical trial safety works

  Every UK clinical trial has to be reviewed and approved before it can start. A research ethics committee checks that the study is worthwhile and that the people taking part will be properly protected.

• Can children take part in research?

  Yes — and it's important that they can. Many illnesses behave differently in children, so treatments need to be studied in young people to know they're safe and effective.