Clinical research tests how well new medical and other health approaches work with people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat a disease.

Overall, research is done to discover and explain new information. Clinical research is a carefully organized study about a health topic. In particular, clinical research involves human participation. There are also phases involved in many clinical trials, which allow researchers to understand a new issue in a safe, step-by-step approach.

Here are a few additional links to outside resources that will provide you with more information about clinical research.

• Understanding Clinical Trials
• Understanding Medical Research
• Clinical Trials of Medical Treatments: Why Volunteer?
• Glossary of Clinical Trials Terms
• Take a Tutorial about Clinical Trials