- Jan 20, 2023
Clinical trials are a vital part of the medical research process and can have a huge impact on the development of new treatments, medicines, and therapies.
As such, it’s important for those interested in working in clinical trials to be familiar with the terminology used in this field.
Here is an overview of some key terms related to clinical trials so that you can be better prepared to work within this field.
Part 1
clinical trials
Research studies performed in people that are aimed at evaluating a medical, surgical, or behavioural intervention.
assess
Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.
monitor
To watch closely and frequently; to observe and make notes.
side-effects
Reactions to medicine other than the one intended.
rigorous
Strict; harsh; severe
vulnerable
adj.) open to attack; capable of being wounded or damaged; unprotected.
administration
The act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient.
intervention
In a clinical trial, participants receive specific interventions according to the research plan or protocol created by the investigators. These interventions may be medical products, such as drugs or devices; procedures; or changes to participants' behaviour, such as diet.
arm
A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives specific interventions, or no intervention, according to the study protocol.
This is decided before the trial begins.
