In the past, the practice of medicine advanced by trial and error. Older doctors simply passed on their knowledge and experience to younger doctors. For the most part, this way of teaching and learning worked well. Over the years, medical care improved. At the same time, however, this trial-and-error approach meant some medical practices did not work well, and others were dangerous. Clinical trials have been found to be the best way to make sure new standards of medical care are, in fact, safe and effective. This is especially true for new drugs, devices, or procedures. Successful organ transplantation could not be done today were it not for clinical trials.
Thinking of participating in a clinical trial? Download the Clinical Trials Patient-Education Brochure.
