Q: What is Clinical Research (Clinical Trials)?

A: Clinical research (clinical trials) is a carefully designed study that involves volunteers to receive investigational treatments under the close supervision of a physician (Principal Investigator) and other research professionals. These treatments are developed by pharmaceutical and biotech companies (sponsors) and may be a treatment, a new medication or a new medical device. The sponsor then asks qualified investigators to conduct the clinical trials following the protocol (detailed testing procedure). All clinical research is conducted under the oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Institutional Review Boards (IRB's), the sponsor and your clinical study team. Clinical trials with human volunteers answer specific questions about new therapies or new ways of using known treatments to prevent, control or treat diseases.

back to top

Q: What are the Phases of Clinical Trials?

A: There are four phases of clinical trials:

• Phase I
  Involves a small (20-100) group of healthy volunteers in order to determine the safety and tolerability of a study drug over a several month period.
• Phase II
  Involves a larger (100-300) group of volunteers with the specific disease or condition to determine the efficacy (beneficial effects) of the drug. These studies usually run from several months to two years. Often these studies are blinded. One group of patients receives the study drug, while another group (the control group) receives a placebo or standard treatment.
• Phase III
  Involves an even larger (hundreds to thousands) group of volunteers to establish efficacy, benefits and the range of possible adverse reactions over several years. This phase of trials typically includes randomized and blinded trials.
• Phase IV
  Involves a very large (thousands) group of volunteers after the drug has been approved by the FDA. This type of trial continues to monitor the drugs long-term effectiveness, benefits and safety.

back to top

Q: What can I expect?

A: The study physician or study coordinator will discuss the Informed Consent with you. You will be asked to sign this form after you have had a chance to have your questions answered. This document will answer the following questions:

• What is the purpose of the study?
• What are the chances that this drug or treatment will work?
• Will I receive the study drug or treatment or a placebo?
• What are the risks?
• How long is your commitment?
• What kind of tests or procedures will be done?
• What are the potential benefits of participating?
• What are side effects and adverse reactions?
• What are the costs to me if anything?
• Will I be compensated for my time and travel expenses?

back to top

Q: Why should I participate?

A: Volunteers can play an active role in their own health care and gain access to new treatments for their condition. They can gain access to screening tests and other health care services usually at no cost to them. Volunteers can contribute to medical research and make a useful contribution to society.

back to top

Q: How do I know if I qualify?

A: Call John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center at (925) 687-8860 and ask to speak to the recruiter or coordinator OR submit some preliminary medical information online using the patient questionnaire.

back to top

Q: Will I get paid for my time?

A: Once you are enrolled in most clinical studies, you are eligible for a stipend. A stipend is a fixed amount of money to compensate you for your time and travel expenses. There are a few clinical studies that do not provide a stipend.

back to top

Q: How do you coordinate care with my physician?

A: We inform your physician that you have consented to be part of a clinical study. We will continue to keep your physician informed as allowed by the study protocol. You will continue to see your physician for your routine medical care. You will only see the study physician for your study-related care.

back to top

Q: Who is John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center?

A: John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center is a top-rated and highly reputable clinical research site in the San Francisco East Bay. John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center is part of the John Muir Physician Network, which is comprised of John Muir Medical Group, a group of over 100 primary care providers and John Muir Medical Group, an independent practice association of over 600 primary care physicians and specialists. The John Muir Physician Network is a subsidiary of John Muir Health, a recognized leader in providing quality medical care in the San Francisco Bay Area.

back to top

Q: What are the Center's and Staff's credentials?

A: Click here to read about our staff.

back to top

Q: Where is John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center located?

A: Click here to view address and directions.

back to top

Q: How do I contact you?

A: John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center
2700 Grant St, #200
Concord, CA 94520
Telephone: (925) 687-8860
Email: info@johnmuirhealth.com
Map

If you'd like to participate in one of our studies, click here to send us your information.

back to top

Q: What current studies are being conducted at John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center?

• Do You Have Diabetes and High Cholesterol?
• Do you have Type 2 Diabetes?
• Have you developed kidney disease related to your diabetes?

back to top

Q: How do I enroll in a study?

A: Please call us at (925) 687-8860 or fill out the Patient Questionnaire.

back to top