These are some of the questions you can ask before deciding whether to participate in a trial. Your doctor or nurse will probably be able to answer most of them.

General questions:

• What is the name of the trial?
• What is the point of the trial and how is it going to help people?
• Why have I been invited to enroll?
• What are the benefits of the trial for me?
• How long is it expected to last?
• Can I drop out of the trial at any time? (The answer should always be yes.)
• How much time will go by before the results of the trial are known?
• Will I be informed of the results?

Practical issues:

• How much of my time will be needed?
• Will I have to take additional time off work?
• Will I need extra help from family and friends?
• Will my travel expenses to and from the trial center be covered? If so, how can I request reimbursement?
• What additional tests or appointments will I have?
• Will I have to pick the drug up at the hospital, will it be sent to me by mail, or am I going to get it through my GP?
• Will I have to fill out questionnaires or keep a journal?
• What are the possible side effects of the treatment?
• How might it affect me physically and emotionally?
• Who can I contact if I have a problem? Will there be someone available 24 hours a day?