The Inside Scoop on Clinical Trials
At the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine, we are proud to conduct a number of clinical trials to ensure that we and the medical community are providing the most cutting edge, efficient and effective care for our patients. The process of clinical trials is intricate with many team members and patients working together to test limits and find the best solutions. Right now, RCBM is leading clinical trials that could end up changing the lives of people with ADHD, depression and borderline personality disorder. Future studies are in the works and will be open to recruiting soon.
In this week’s blog, we dive into the importance of clinical trials.
What exactly are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies into a new or existing treatment for an illness or disease. These trials help doctors and researchers discover which new medications and procedures work and how well they work to help improve a patient’s condition.
Without clinical trials, new medications and/or interventions would not be approved for use by the public. The process of clinical trials helps to get new drugs on the market.
Although the overall goal of clinical trials is similar, each trial operates differently according to a set protocol. The details and protocol of a trial will vary based on need, medication and disorder. It’s the research team’s job to make sure the four phases of a trial fall within the FDA’s approved protocols.
What is the process like for patients?
For patients, the process is fairly simple. Depending on the protocol and their duration in the study, patients come in once a week or once every couple of weeks for in-clinic visits.
During these visits, patients meet with a member of the research team who performs safety assessments and clinic-rated assessments to capture behavioral data for the study. RCBM founder and Medical Director, Dr. Joel Young and Associate Medical Director, Dr. Sarah Hutton will also meet with patients to perform a wellness visit and answer any questions they may have. RCBM works to accommodate each patient’s schedule and walks them through each step of the process.
What is the benefit for patients?
Patients who participate in clinical trials, at RCBM, benefit by receiving the newest treatment options available, helping others, and moving science forward. Participants are also eligible for stipends for time and travel, although compensation varies based on the specific trial. Even if you do not have insurance, you are able to participate. Clinical trials are not billed through insurance.
How do patients participate in a clinical trial?
Visit our website: www.rcbm.net to learn more about current clinical trials. Under the “research” tab, there’s a button for research interest forms. Complete the respective form, and one of our research coordinators will reach out via phone or email.
The research team is very friendly and accommodating, while here to support patients and their needs. A clinical trial is a great alternative to traditional mental health treatment. Patients are the experts of their own life, and we ethically embrace that mentality.
If it turns out you are not eligible for a clinical trial, you can still become a patient at RCBM and see one of our providers. RCBM is always here to help.
