Abbott DBS Post-Market Study of Outcomes for Indications Over Time

DEVICE

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation therapy involves the delivery of electrical signals to targeted structures in the brain to modulate neural circuit activity, and has been used successfully for the treatment of various types of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), disabling or essential tremor, and dystonia

Change from baseline to 6 months in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with Parkinson's disease, MDS-UPDRS Part III.

Time frame: Baseline to 6 months

The Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) assess the severity of Parkinson's disease. This questionnaire is composed of four sections: Part I: non-motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions (Part Ia is assessed by the investigator while part Ib is assessed by the subject, with or without the help of the caregiver); Part II: motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions, designed to be self-administered; Part III: motor examinations consisting of 33 scores based on 18 questions with several right, left or other body distribution scores; Part IV: motor complications: consisting of 6 questions. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates normal, 1 indicates slight symptoms, 2 indicates mild symptoms, 3 indicates moderate symptoms, and 4 indicates severe symptoms. The total score for each part is obtained from the sum of the corresponding item scores. Higher scores indicate greater impact of PD symptoms.

Change from baseline to1 year in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with Parkinson's disease, MDS-UPDRS Part III.

Time frame: Baseline to1 year

The Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) assess the severity of Parkinson's disease. This questionnaire is composed of four sections: Part I: non-motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions (Part Ia is assessed by the investigator while part Ib is assessed by the subject, with or without the help of the caregiver); Part II: motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions, designed to be self-administered; Part III: motor examinations consisting of 33 scores based on 18 questions with several right, left or other body distribution scores; Part IV: motor complications: consisting of 6 questions. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates normal, 1 indicates slight symptoms, 2 indicates mild symptoms, 3 indicates moderate symptoms, and 4 indicates severe symptoms. The total score for each part is obtained from the sum of the corresponding item scores. Higher scores indicate greater impact of PD symptoms.

Change from baseline to 2 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with Parkinson's disease, MDS-UPDRS Part III.

Time frame: Baseline to 2 years

The Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) assess the severity of Parkinson's disease. This questionnaire is composed of four sections: Part I: non-motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions (Part Ia is assessed by the investigator while part Ib is assessed by the subject, with or without the help of the caregiver); Part II: motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions, designed to be self-administered; Part III: motor examinations consisting of 33 scores based on 18 questions with several right, left or other body distribution scores; Part IV: motor complications: consisting of 6 questions. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates normal, 1 indicates slight symptoms, 2 indicates mild symptoms, 3 indicates moderate symptoms, and 4 indicates severe symptoms. The total score for each part is obtained from the sum of the corresponding item scores. Higher scores indicate greater impact of PD symptoms.

Change from baseline to 3 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with Parkinson's disease, MDS-UPDRS Part III.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 years

The Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) assess the severity of Parkinson's disease. This questionnaire is composed of four sections: Part I: non-motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions (Part Ia is assessed by the investigator while part Ib is assessed by the subject, with or without the help of the caregiver); Part II: motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions, designed to be self-administered; Part III: motor examinations consisting of 33 scores based on 18 questions with several right, left or other body distribution scores; Part IV: motor complications: consisting of 6 questions. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates normal, 1 indicates slight symptoms, 2 indicates mild symptoms, 3 indicates moderate symptoms, and 4 indicates severe symptoms. The total score for each part is obtained from the sum of the corresponding item scores. Higher scores indicate greater impact of PD symptoms.

Change from baseline to 4 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with Parkinson's disease, MDS-UPDRS Part III.

Time frame: Baseline to 4 years

The Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) assess the severity of Parkinson's disease. This questionnaire is composed of four sections: Part I: non-motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions (Part Ia is assessed by the investigator while part Ib is assessed by the subject, with or without the help of the caregiver); Part II: motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions, designed to be self-administered; Part III: motor examinations consisting of 33 scores based on 18 questions with several right, left or other body distribution scores; Part IV: motor complications: consisting of 6 questions. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates normal, 1 indicates slight symptoms, 2 indicates mild symptoms, 3 indicates moderate symptoms, and 4 indicates severe symptoms. The total score for each part is obtained from the sum of the corresponding item scores. Higher scores indicate greater impact of PD symptoms.

Change from baseline to 5 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with Parkinson's disease, MDS-UPDRS Part III.

Time frame: Baseline to 5 years

The Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) assess the severity of Parkinson's disease. This questionnaire is composed of four sections: Part I: non-motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions (Part Ia is assessed by the investigator while part Ib is assessed by the subject, with or without the help of the caregiver); Part II: motor experiences of daily living consisting of 13 questions, designed to be self-administered; Part III: motor examinations consisting of 33 scores based on 18 questions with several right, left or other body distribution scores; Part IV: motor complications: consisting of 6 questions. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates normal, 1 indicates slight symptoms, 2 indicates mild symptoms, 3 indicates moderate symptoms, and 4 indicates severe symptoms. The total score for each part is obtained from the sum of the corresponding item scores. Higher scores indicate greater impact of PD symptoms.

Change from baseline to 6 months in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with disabling tremor, FTM-TRS.

Time frame: Baseline to 6 months

The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) assesses tremor severity and and consists of three parts. Part A (with a maximum score of 80) rates tremor at rest, during posture, and intentional movements for nine parts of the body, including the head, trunk and limbs; Part B (with a maximum score of 36) rates action tremor of the upper limbs, particularly while writing and pouring liquids; part C the patient rates the impact of tremor on his or her functional disability (speaking, feeding, drinking, hygiene, dressing, writing, and working) with a maximum score of 28. The total score obtained by adding the three parts of the FTM-TRS is 144, with a higher score indicating higher disease severity/disability. The FTM-TRS also includes one separate item dealing with global assessment of tremor-related disability, rated by both patient and examiner on a 5-point scale.

Change from baseline to 1 year in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with disabling tremor, FTM-TRS.

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) assesses tremor severity and and consists of three parts. Part A (with a maximum score of 80) rates tremor at rest, during posture, and intentional movements for nine parts of the body, including the head, trunk and limbs; Part B (with a maximum score of 36) rates action tremor of the upper limbs, particularly while writing and pouring liquids; part C the patient rates the impact of tremor on his or her functional disability (speaking, feeding, drinking, hygiene, dressing, writing, and working) with a maximum score of 28. The total score obtained by adding the three parts of the FTM-TRS is 144, with a higher score indicating higher disease severity/disability.The FTM-TRS also includes one separate item dealing with global assessment of tremor-related disability, rated by both patient and examiner on a 5-point scale.

Change from baseline to 2 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with disabling tremor, FTM-TRS.

Time frame: Baseline to 2 years

The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) assesses tremor severity and and consists of three parts. Part A (with a maximum score of 80) rates tremor at rest, during posture, and intentional movements for nine parts of the body, including the head, trunk and limbs; Part B (with a maximum score of 36) rates action tremor of the upper limbs, particularly while writing and pouring liquids; part C the patient rates the impact of tremor on his or her functional disability (speaking, feeding, drinking, hygiene, dressing, writing, and working) with a maximum score of 28. The total score obtained by adding the three parts of the FTM-TRS is 144, with a higher score indicating higher disease severity/disability.The FTM-TRS also includes one separate item dealing with global assessment of tremor-related disability, rated by both patient and examiner on a 5-point scale.

Change from baseline to 3 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with disabling tremor, FTM-TRS.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 years

The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) assesses tremor severity and and consists of three parts. Part A (with a maximum score of 80) rates tremor at rest, during posture, and intentional movements for nine parts of the body, including the head, trunk and limbs; Part B (with a maximum score of 36) rates action tremor of the upper limbs, particularly while writing and pouring liquids; part C the patient rates the impact of tremor on his or her functional disability (speaking, feeding, drinking, hygiene, dressing, writing, and working) with a maximum score of 28. The total score obtained by adding the three parts of the FTM-TRS is 144, with a higher score indicating higher disease severity/disability.The FTM-TRS also includes one separate item dealing with global assessment of tremor-related disability, rated by both patient and examiner on a 5-point scale.

Change from baseline to 4 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with disabling tremor, FTM-TRS.

Time frame: Baseline to 4 years

The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) assesses tremor severity and and consists of three parts. Part A (with a maximum score of 80) rates tremor at rest, during posture, and intentional movements for nine parts of the body, including the head, trunk and limbs; Part B (with a maximum score of 36) rates action tremor of the upper limbs, particularly while writing and pouring liquids; part C the patient rates the impact of tremor on his or her functional disability (speaking, feeding, drinking, hygiene, dressing, writing, and working) with a maximum score of 28. The total score obtained by adding the three parts of the FTM-TRS is 144, with a higher score indicating higher disease severity/disability. The FTM-TRS also includes one separate item dealing with global assessment of tremor-related disability, rated by both patient and examiner on a 5-point scale.

Change from baseline to 5 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with disabling tremor, FTM-TRS.

Time frame: Baseline to 5 years

The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) assesses tremor severity and and consists of three parts. Part A (with a maximum score of 80) rates tremor at rest, during posture, and intentional movements for nine parts of the body, including the head, trunk and limbs; Part B (with a maximum score of 36) rates action tremor of the upper limbs, particularly while writing and pouring liquids; part C the patient rates the impact of tremor on his or her functional disability (speaking, feeding, drinking, hygiene, dressing, writing, and working) with a maximum score of 28. The total score obtained by adding the three parts of the FTM-TRS is 144, with a higher score indicating higher disease severity/disability.The FTM-TRS also includes one separate item dealing with global assessment of tremor-related disability, rated by both patient and examiner on a 5-point scale.

Change from baseline to 6 months in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with dystonia (except for cervical dystonia), BFMDRS movement scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 6 months

The BFMDRS consists consists of a movement subscale and a disability subscale. The movement scale measures dystonia in nine body regions (including the eyes, mouth, speech and swallowing, neck, trunk, arms, and legs). Each domain is scored on degree of provoking factor (0=no dystonia at rest or with action to 4=dystonia present at rest) and severity factor (0=no dystonia to 4=extreme/severe dystonia). Scores are weighted yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 120. The disability scale is a functional marker consisting of parental- or self-reported daily activities (involving speech, handwriting, feeding, eating, swallowing, hygiene, dressing, and walking), with scores ranging from 0 (completely independent) to 30 (completely dependent). A higher score indicates higher disease severity/disability.

Change from baseline to 1 year in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with dystonia (except for cervical dystonia), BFMDRS movement scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

The BFMDRS consists consists of a movement subscale and a disability subscale. The movement scale measures dystonia in nine body regions (including the eyes, mouth, speech and swallowing, neck, trunk, arms, and legs). Each domain is scored on degree of provoking factor (0=no dystonia at rest or with action to 4=dystonia present at rest) and severity factor (0=no dystonia to 4=extreme/severe dystonia). Scores are weighted yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 120. The disability scale is a functional marker consisting of parental- or self-reported daily activities (involving speech, handwriting, feeding, eating, swallowing, hygiene, dressing, and walking), with scores ranging from 0 (completely independent) to 30 (completely dependent). A higher score indicates higher disease severity/disability.

Change from baseline to 2 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with dystonia (except for cervical dystonia), BFMDRS movement scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 2 years

The BFMDRS consists consists of a movement subscale and a disability subscale. The movement scale measures dystonia in nine body regions (including the eyes, mouth, speech and swallowing, neck, trunk, arms, and legs). Each domain is scored on degree of provoking factor (0=no dystonia at rest or with action to 4=dystonia present at rest) and severity factor (0=no dystonia to 4=extreme/severe dystonia). Scores are weighted yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 120. The disability scale is a functional marker consisting of parental- or self-reported daily activities (involving speech, handwriting, feeding, eating, swallowing, hygiene, dressing, and walking), with scores ranging from 0 (completely independent) to 30 (completely dependent). A higher score indicates higher disease severity/disability.

Change from baseline to 3 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with dystonia (except for cervical dystonia), BFMDRS movement scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 years

The BFMDRS consists consists of a movement subscale and a disability subscale. The movement scale measures dystonia in nine body regions (including the eyes, mouth, speech and swallowing, neck, trunk, arms, and legs). Each domain is scored on degree of provoking factor (0=no dystonia at rest or with action to 4=dystonia present at rest) and severity factor (0=no dystonia to 4=extreme/severe dystonia). Scores are weighted yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 120. The disability scale is a functional marker consisting of parental- or self-reported daily activities (involving speech, handwriting, feeding, eating, swallowing, hygiene, dressing, and walking), with scores ranging from 0 (completely independent) to 30 (completely dependent). A higher score indicates higher disease severity/disability.

Change from baseline to 4 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with dystonia (except for cervical dystonia), BFMDRS movement scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 4 years

The BFMDRS consists consists of a movement subscale and a disability subscale. The movement scale measures dystonia in nine body regions (including the eyes, mouth, speech and swallowing, neck, trunk, arms, and legs). Each domain is scored on degree of provoking factor (0=no dystonia at rest or with action to 4=dystonia present at rest) and severity factor (0=no dystonia to 4=extreme/severe dystonia). Scores are weighted yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 120. The disability scale is a functional marker consisting of parental- or self-reported daily activities (involving speech, handwriting, feeding, eating, swallowing, hygiene, dressing, and walking), with scores ranging from 0 (completely independent) to 30 (completely dependent). A higher score indicates higher disease severity/disability.

Change from baseline to 5 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with dystonia (except for cervical dystonia), BFMDRS movement scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 5 years

The BFMDRS consists consists of a movement subscale and a disability subscale. The movement scale measures dystonia in nine body regions (including the eyes, mouth, speech and swallowing, neck, trunk, arms, and legs). Each domain is scored on degree of provoking factor (0=no dystonia at rest or with action to 4=dystonia present at rest) and severity factor (0=no dystonia to 4=extreme/severe dystonia). Scores are weighted yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 120. The disability scale is a functional marker consisting of parental- or self-reported daily activities (involving speech, handwriting, feeding, eating, swallowing, hygiene, dressing, and walking), with scores ranging from 0 (completely independent) to 30 (completely dependent). A higher score indicates higher disease severity/disability.

Change from baseline to 6 months in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with cervical dystonia, TWSTRS severity scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 6 months

The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity subscale rates the severity of cervical dystonia. This scale consists of three subscales measuring symptom severity, disability, and pain. The severity scale is rated by the clinician and is composed of 11 items with a maximum score of 35. The disability and pain scales are patient-rated. The disability scale is composed of 6 items with a maximum score of 30. The pain scale is composed of 3 items with a maximum score of 20. The total TWSTRS score ranges from 0 to 85 points. Higher scores indicate higher severity/disability/pain.

Change from baseline to 1 year in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with cervical dystonia, TWSTRS severity scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity subscale rates the severity of cervical dystonia. This scale consists of three subscales measuring symptom severity, disability, and pain. The severity scale is rated by the clinician and is composed of 11 items with a maximum score of 35. The disability and pain scales are patient-rated. The disability scale is composed of 6 items with a maximum score of 30. The pain scale is composed of 3 items with a maximum score of 20. The total TWSTRS score ranges from 0 to 85 points. Higher scores indicate higher severity/disability/pain.

Change from baseline to 2 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with cervical dystonia, TWSTRS severity scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 2 years

The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity subscale rates the severity of cervical dystonia. This scale consists of three subscales measuring symptom severity, disability, and pain. The severity scale is rated by the clinician and is composed of 11 items with a maximum score of 35. The disability and pain scales are patient-rated. The disability scale is composed of 6 items with a maximum score of 30. The pain scale is composed of 3 items with a maximum score of 20. The total TWSTRS score ranges from 0 to 85 points. Higher scores indicate higher severity/disability/pain.

Change from baseline to 3 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with cervical dystonia, TWSTRS severity scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 years

The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity subscale rates the severity of cervical dystonia. This scale consists of three subscales measuring symptom severity, disability, and pain. The severity scale is rated by the clinician and is composed of 11 items with a maximum score of 35. The disability and pain scales are patient-rated. The disability scale is composed of 6 items with a maximum score of 30. The pain scale is composed of 3 items with a maximum score of 20. The total TWSTRS score ranges from 0 to 85 points. Higher scores indicate higher severity/disability/pain.

Change from baseline to 4 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with cervical dystonia, TWSTRS severity scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 4 years

The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity subscale rates the severity of cervical dystonia. This scale consists of three subscales measuring symptom severity, disability, and pain. The severity scale is rated by the clinician and is composed of 11 items with a maximum score of 35. The disability and pain scales are patient-rated. The disability scale is composed of 6 items with a maximum score of 30. The pain scale is composed of 3 items with a maximum score of 20. The total TWSTRS score ranges from 0 to 85 points. Higher scores indicate higher severity/disability/pain.

Change from baseline to 5 years in disease-specific motor rating scale. For subjects with cervical dystonia, TWSTRS severity scale.

Time frame: Baseline to 5 years

The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity subscale rates the severity of cervical dystonia. This scale consists of three subscales measuring symptom severity, disability, and pain. The severity scale is rated by the clinician and is composed of 11 items with a maximum score of 35. The disability and pain scales are patient-rated. The disability scale is composed of 6 items with a maximum score of 30. The pain scale is composed of 3 items with a maximum score of 20. The total TWSTRS score ranges from 0 to 85 points. Higher scores indicate higher severity/disability/pain.

Incidence of device- and procedure-related serious adverse events at 6 months

Time frame: At 6 months

Serious Adverse Events related to the device and procedure will be assessed. If the AE meets any of the criteria below, it is regarded as a serious adverse event (SAE). a) Led to a death, b) Led to a serious deterioration in health of the subject, that either resulted in i) a life-threatening illness or injury, or ii) a permanent impairment of a body structure or a body function, or iii) in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, or iv) medical or surgical intervention to prevent life threatening illness or injury or permanent impairment to a body structure or a body function. v) chronic disease c) Led to fetal distress, fetal death or a congenital abnormality or birth defect.

Incidence of device- and procedure-related serious adverse events at 1 year

Time frame: At 1 year

Serious Adverse Events related to the device and procedure will be assessed. If the AE meets any of the criteria below, it is regarded as a serious adverse event (SAE). a) Led to a death, b) Led to a serious deterioration in health of the subject, that either resulted in i) a life-threatening illness or injury, or ii) a permanent impairment of a body structure or a body function, or iii) in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, or iv) medical or surgical intervention to prevent life threatening illness or injury or permanent impairment to a body structure or a body function. v) chronic disease c) Led to fetal distress, fetal death or a congenital abnormality or birth defect.

Incidence of device- and procedure-related serious adverse events at 2 years

Time frame: At 2 years

Serious Adverse Events related to the device and procedure will be assessed. If the AE meets any of the criteria below, it is regarded as a serious adverse event (SAE). a) Led to a death, b) Led to a serious deterioration in health of the subject, that either resulted in i) a life-threatening illness or injury, or ii) a permanent impairment of a body structure or a body function, or iii) in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, or iv) medical or surgical intervention to prevent life threatening illness or injury or permanent impairment to a body structure or a body function. v) chronic disease c) Led to fetal distress, fetal death or a congenital abnormality or birth defect.

Incidence of device- and procedure-related serious adverse events at 3 years

Time frame: At 3 years

Serious Adverse Events related to the device and procedure will be assessed. If the AE meets any of the criteria below, it is regarded as a serious adverse event (SAE). a) Led to a death, b) Led to a serious deterioration in health of the subject, that either resulted in i) a life-threatening illness or injury, or ii) a permanent impairment of a body structure or a body function, or iii) in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, or iv) medical or surgical intervention to prevent life threatening illness or injury or permanent impairment to a body structure or a body function. v) chronic disease c) Led to fetal distress, fetal death or a congenital abnormality or birth defect.

Incidence of device- and procedure-related serious adverse events at 4 years

Time frame: At 4 years

Serious Adverse Events related to the device and procedure will be assessed. If the AE meets any of the criteria below, it is regarded as a serious adverse event (SAE). a) Led to a death, b) Led to a serious deterioration in health of the subject, that either resulted in i) a life-threatening illness or injury, or ii) a permanent impairment of a body structure or a body function, or iii) in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, or iv) medical or surgical intervention to prevent life threatening illness or injury or permanent impairment to a body structure or a body function. v) chronic disease c) Led to fetal distress, fetal death or a congenital abnormality or birth defect.

Incidence of device- and procedure-related serious adverse events at 5 years

Time frame: At 5 years

Serious Adverse Events related to the device and procedure will be assessed. If the AE meets any of the criteria below, it is regarded as a serious adverse event (SAE). a) Led to a death, b) Led to a serious deterioration in health of the subject, that either resulted in i) a life-threatening illness or injury, or ii) a permanent impairment of a body structure or a body function, or iii) in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, or iv) medical or surgical intervention to prevent life threatening illness or injury or permanent impairment to a body structure or a body function. v) chronic disease c) Led to fetal distress, fetal death or a congenital abnormality or birth defect.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.