I am finished a clinical trial

As a clinical trial participant, you should be informed of the results of the clinical trial once the entire study is complete. You should speak to the study doctor or study team about how to obtain this information when the study is completed.

Depending on the study design, you may be aware from the beginning of the clinical trial which treatment group you are in, for example, for:

• Open label, randomized studies – you will know which treatment group of the clinical trial you are in from the start;
• Single-blind studies – the study doctor and staff will know which treatment group you are in, but you will not; and,
• Double-blind studies – neither you, the study doctors or staff, or your usual health care providers will know which treatment group you are in.

While your group assignment may be identified if medically necessary, your assignment may not be shared with you until your participation in the study is complete or the study is complete and results are known.

You should speak to your doctor or specialist about your concerns.

After the clinical trial, you will continue as normal to be seen by your regular medical team and receive your routine medical care. This routine medical care may be changed by your participation in the clinical trial depending on the benefits or side effects of the intervention that you experience. For example, if you experience side effects, your routine medical care may change to include treatments for those side effects, for a short or long period of time.

You may also need to continue to be followed up on for study purposes for some time after the study and receive some tests or examinations related to this follow up.

• You may not be able to receive the study intervention after your participation in the study is completed. There are several possible reasons for this, some of which are:
• The intervention may not turn out to be effective or safe.
• The intervention may not be approved for use in Canada.
• Your health care providers may not feel it is the best option for you.
• You may decide it is too expensive and insurance coverage may not be available.
• The intervention, even if approved in Canada, may not be available free of charge.

The study doctor will talk to you about your options. 

Depending on your situation, you might want to speak to your health care provider about your options. There may be other interventions for you or there may be other research studies for you to consider.