Clinical Research Is a Care Option

At some point, you will have to go to the doctor. That is a fact of life. Unfortunately, the process of getting an appointment will certainly raise your blood pressure. If you are lucky enough to talk to a real person, securing a visit within a timely manner is another challenge entirely. Finding alternative care can be difficult and expensive. Another fact of life: there are more patients than there are doctors, which means these barriers to healthcare accessibility aren’t going away anytime soon. Thankfully, there is an option that won’t break the bank (or your spirit). Lesser-known fact of life: clinical research is a care option. 

Not everyone can qualify for a clinical research study: there are specific medical and safety criteria that must be met by participants. For those who do qualify, however, you essentially skip the waiting room. With fewer patients to manage, your research team can spend more time coordinating your care, answering your questions, and connecting you directly to clinical research personnel.^[1,2] You get access to regular appointments with medical professionals, close health monitoring (including follow-up and support), and, potentially, new therapies. Clinical research can also help bridge the gaps in care, especially for those facing barriers – such as a lack of insurance or a primary care provider – to get the help they need.^[3]

Clinical trials are considered a care option because of the level of expert medical attention and ongoing health monitoring that you receive. This increased engagement with healthcare professionals can lead to improved health outcomes and drive advances in clinical research.^[4] In fact, a 2015 study found that 95% of trial participants felt that participating in the trial improved their overall quality of care.^[5]

Fact of life: You should volunteer for clinical research. 
 

Socia Media Strategist, Chase Berger

References:

 
[1] Koren, M.J., Geddings, K., (17 November, 2025). Coordinated care through clinical research. On MedEvidence! Truth Behind the Data. [Podcast]. https://www.medevidence.com/coordinated-care-through-clinical-research

[2] Koren, M.J., Collins, S., (3 December, 2025). Equity through clinical research. On MedEvidence! Truth Behind the Data. [Podcast]. https://www.medevidence.com/equity-through-clinical-research

[3] Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Health care access and quality.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [Website, accessed 10 December, 2025] https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/health-care-access-and-quality

[4] Van de Beek, H. (2019). Clinical research as a care option: optimizing approaches. https://www.appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com/view/clinical-research-care-option-optimizing-approaches 

[5] Shen, J., Buechler, A., Byrne, J., Hecht, J., James, J., Pancratz, B., (2015).  Clinical research participation as a care option. PMG Research.