Clinical trials internet resource
November 2004
Summary
Clinical trials are important for the advancement of medicine.
The participation of doctors and patients in well-designed trials that address important medical questions is vital, and hence the low accrual rate gives cause for concern. It is important that medical practitioners and the public are fully aware of their benefits and risks. By increasing understanding of trials, it is hoped that decisions taken by doctors and patients about whether to participate will be based on firm factual foundations, and made on a case-by-case basis.