Where Are You on Your Clinical Trial Journey?

Are you:

Thinking about joining a clinical trial?

Learn about what clinical trials are, how they work, and what to expect before and during participation.

Looking to understand clinical trial results?

Discover how to interpret the findings after a trial ends and what those results mean for you.

Understanding Clinical Trials (Before and During Participation)

A clinical trial is a research study involving human participants that aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a medical intervention—such as a drug, therapy, or device. Clinical trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.

Key phases include:

Phase I: Tests safety in 20-100 volunteers

Phase II: Evaluates effectiveness in larger groups (100-300)

Phase III: Compares new treatments to standard care (1,000+ participants)

Phase IV: Post-approval monitoring for long-term effects

Read more on phases of clinical trials here.

What to do before joining a clinical trial

1. Look at the Study Objective

Start by asking: What was the purpose of this trial? The objective usually answers one of these:

• Is the new treatment better than the current standard?

• Is it safe?

• What are the side effects?

2. Understand the Study Design

Is it a randomized controlled trial (RCT), double-blind, or open-label? These terms impact how reliable the results are.

• Randomized: Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups.

• Double-blind: Neither participants nor researchers know who gets the real treatment.
• Placebo-controlled: Compares new treatment to an inactive substance.

Pro tip: RCTs are considered the “gold standard” in clinical research.

3. Review the Participant Information

Check for:

• Sample size: More participants usually means more reliable results.

• Demographics: Does the age, gender, or ethnicity of participants match your profile?

4. Focus on the Primary and Secondary Outcomes

• Primary outcome: The main result the researchers measured.

• Secondary outcomes: Additional effects they observed.

Example: In a diabetes trial, the primary outcome might be blood sugar control; secondary could include weight loss or blood pressure changes.

How to Read Clinical Trial Results (Step-by-Step)

Understand the Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Here’s what to look for:

• Efficacy: How well did the treatment work? Look for terms like risk reduction or improvement rate.

• P-value (<0.05): Indicates if results are statistically significant.

• Confidence interval (CI): Shows the range in which the true effect likely lies. Narrow = more precise.

Key Statistics Made Simple

• P-value ≤0.05: Less than 5% chance results are random

Hazard ratio (HR):

• HR <1: Treatment reduces risk

• HR >1: Treatment may increase risk

Why Understanding Clinical Trial Results Matters

Clinical trials shape the future of medicine, but their impact depends on public trust. A 2022 study found that 74% of participants value transparency in trial reporting, yet only 33% feel confident interpreting results. By learning to analyze these studies, you’ll:

• Make better-informed treatment choices

• Ask smarter questions to your healthcare team

• Contribute to medical research literacy

Making Informed Choices with Confidence

Reading clinical trial results doesn’t require a medical degree, just the right guidance and a bit of curiosity. By understanding the basics of study design, outcome measures, and key statistics, you can make more informed decisions about your health or the health of a loved one. Clinical research is designed to help patients, and the more confident you are in interpreting it, the more empowered you’ll be in conversations with your healthcare provider. Stay informed, ask questions, and never hesitate to seek clarity, because your health decisions should be based on knowledge, not confusion.

At Patlynk, we make it easier for patients to access relevant clinical trials that match their unique needs. Whether you're exploring cutting-edge treatments or considering trial participation as part of your care journey, Patlynk connects you with opportunities that could make a meaningful difference. Our mission is to empower patients by opening doors to the latest medical research, because everyone deserves access to innovation in healthcare.