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About Clinical Studies

Learn about clinical research, what's involved, and how your participation can help advance medical knowledge and improve healthcare for future generations.

Join a Clinical Study with Newfoundland
and Labrador Health Services

A clinical trial is a research study testing a new drug, device or treatment in people. There are four phases for clinical trials:

Phase 1 (Safety): Involved small group checks for safety and dosing.
Phase 2 (Proof of concept): Involves larger group tests if it works.
Phase 3 (Comparison): Involves hundreds to thousands of individuals to compare it against the current standard.
Phase 4 (Post-approval): Ongoing monitoring of volunteers after approval.

At every step, a dedicated medical team explains risks, answers your questions and ensures you're comfortable. Participation is voluntary—and informed.

Is a clinical trial right for you?

It's your choice, and it starts with learning more. If you're interested, here's what to do next:

Ask questions. Chat with the trial team about any concerns–there are no "silly" questions.
Review the details. You'll get a clear guide (informed consent) that spells out benefits, risks, and what's involved.
Make your decision. Take your time-talk it over with family, friends, and/or healthcare provider.
Stay Informed. Even if you decide not to enrol, every conversation brings us closer to better treatments.

Ready to learn more? Reach out today, and let's explore whether a clinical trial could be your next step toward helping others–and possibly yourself.

Healthcare professional discussing clinical trials with a patient

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Healthcare workers and coastal village scene
Medical consultation between patient and healthcare provider

Informed Consent

Being in any clinical trial is completely voluntary. Participants can withdraw at any time.

Informed consent helps you to learn about a clinical trial before you make a decision to participate. During this process, the physician or study coordinator will talk to you about:

the purpose of the clinical trial
the potential risks and benefits of participating
other treatment option you may have if you decide not to participate, and
your right as a participant in the clinical trial

During the informed consent process, it is important to ask questions about anything that you did not understand.

After getting all of this information you can think about whether or not you want to participate in a study. If you decide to participate you will be asked to sign an informed consent form. When you sign this form, it shows that you have been given all the details about the study and that you want to participate. We ask if you will let us inform your healthcare provider (if available) that you are in the study and encourage you to talk to them about the clinical trial.

It's also important for you to know that:

Being in any clinical trial is completely voluntary
If you join a clinical trial, you can withdraw at any time
If you decide to withdraw from the clinical trial, it will not affect the quality of the care you receive
You may or may not directly benefit from being in a clinical trial