Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. A high-quality clinical trial is the best way to find out how safe and effective a medical treatment is. Clinical trials are also the best way to compare different methods of preventing and treating medical conditions, providing doctors with reliable evidence of which approach is best. Renal donations will help the unit to carry out important research in areas that may not necessarily get central funding.  

Getting involved
All clinical trials rely on the participation of volunteers. Some clinical trials involve healthy members of the public. Others involve patients who may be offered the option of taking part in a trial during their care and treatment.

If you are treated at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, you may be invited to take part in a clinical trial. It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to get involved. If you decide not to participate, you will still be treated using the best currently available methods.

• Why take part in a clinical trial?
• What does taking part in research involve?
• Research studies currently looking for volunteers

You may encounter some unfamiliar terms associated with clinical trials. You can find out more about the different types of trial or go to our clinical trials glossary.