NIH Radio

Right Click to Download MP3 File

Brief Description:

What is a clinical trial and how does it work? What are the benefits and the risks? If you're an older adult, should you consider participating in a trial? You can find the answers to these questions by checking out the new topic, Participating in Clinical Trials, on the website NIHSeniorHealth.gov.

Transcript:

Akinso: What is a clinical trial and how does it work? What are the benefits and the risks? If you're an older adult, should you consider participating in a trial? You can find the answers to these questions by checking out the new topic, Participating in Clinical Trials, on the website NIHSeniorHealth.gov. Joyce Backus, Deputy Chief of the Public Services Division at the National Library of Medicine, is optimistic about the impact the new topic could have on the elderly.

Backus: We hope that by reading the website, Participating in Clinical Trials, senior will have a better idea about what it means to participate in a clinical trial and also the special things they might need to consider before consenting to participate in a clinical trial.

Akinso: The new topic explains basic terms, the types and phases of trials, the informed consent process and the benefits, risks, and built-in safeguards for trial participants. The website is a joint effort of the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine. Once again the website is www.nihseniorhealth.gov. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland.