Some medical research studies across the nation are waiting on the latest decisions in Washington, D.C. to see if they will continue to receive funding. For while some medical research studies are funded by pharmaceutical companies, universities, and large corporations, others receive at least partial funding from government programs, some of which might be threatened to major changes or the complete dismantling of programs included in the Affordable Care Act.
As a nation, many people rely on the results of clinical drug development studies and other types of clinical trials for the medicine and the treatment that they need. In a time of changing healthcare funding, like the one that often happens with a new Presidential cabinet, many patients, doctors, and the studies themselves are in a wait and see mode.
Clinical Study Work Helps Make Progress That Benefits a Number of Patients
Through the process of Phase 1 clinical trials and other research practices, the medical field has made progress in helping patients find more comfort, greater amounts of energy, and, for some, even a longer life. consider some of these facts and figures about the implementation of medical research studies:
- The 9th revision of the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Code it has an entire separate section on informed consent because it is so important.
- Researchers using children, defined as anyone younger than 18, in a study are legally required to obtain consent from the parent or guardian of the child.
- 46% of Americans indicate that they somewhat agree taking part in clinical trials is as valuable to health care system as giving blood.
- Researchers test an experimental treatment or drug in a small group of people, 20 to 80, for the first time in what is called a Phase I trial. The purpose of this stage is to evaluate the trials safety and identify side effects.
- Experimental drug or treatment is administered to a larger group of people, 100 to 300, to determine its effectiveness and to further evaluate its safety in Phase II trials.
- Experimental treatment or drug is administered to larger groups of people, 1,000 to 3,000, in Phase III trials. The purpose of this stage is to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it with standard or equivalent treatments, and collect information allowing the experimental treatment or drug to be used safely.
From medical research treatments that provide instant relief from knee pain to medical research studies that promote progress in treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, the country depends on a continuing push for further advancements and cures.
