Understanding research

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies where people volunteer to test out new treatments, interventions or tests. These trials are designed to help find new ways to prevent, detect, treat, or manage different diseases or health problems. Some trials look at how people react and what side effects might happen. This helps us know if a treatment works, if it’s safe, and if it’s better than what we already have. A trial might also compare existing treatments, test new ways to use or mix existing treatments, or see how people respond to other things that might affect their health, such as dietary changes.

Taking part in clinical trials helps drive innovation and best practice in healthcare. It also creates important evidence needed to make decisions. If you’re thinking about joining a clinical trial, the first step is to ask: “Is a clinical trial right for me?” Then you can find out if there’s a suitable one for you and what it involves. We suggest you talk to your treating healthcare professional about this.

If you’re able to join, being part of a clinical trial might give you access to promising new treatments before many other people can get them. Clinical trials can focus on medications, devices, tools for early detection, or lifestyle programs like pulmonary rehabilitation.

What you need to know:

• You join voluntarily (it’s your choice) and you need to give your informed consent, meaning that you understand and agree
• Your health will be watched closely for safety
• Ethics committees review clinical trials to protect your rights.

Clinical research

Clinical research is a wider term than clinical trials. It includes any research involving people that aims to improve how we prevent, diagnose, or treat health conditions. This could mean:

• Filling out surveys
• Testing new ways to provide care
• Taking part in studies that watch symptoms and how people are doing over time.

Clinical research helps us understand the real-life experiences of people with lung diseases. It helps create better guidelines for care and supports the development of services that meet your needs.

What you need to know:

• It might involve sharing your health data or experiences
• It helps improve future treatments and healthcare services
• You don’t need to be taking a new treatment to take part.

Social and market research

Social and market research looks at people’s thoughts, experiences, needs and behaviours. This might include surveys, interviews, or group discussions (focus groups) to understand what matters most to people living with lung disease or lung cancer. This type of research helps to create better education campaigns, resources and services. It also makes sure your voice is heard when decisions are made on health policies and what we focus on for advocacy.

What you need to know:

• It focuses on your lived experience and what’s important to you
• Your feedback can help change national programs and policy decisions
• You can take part even if you are not getting treatment.

How do I know if online information about research is reliable?

For many people, the internet is the first place they go for research and information. You can find almost anything quickly with a search. It’s a great way to check out different websites and learn about your lung disease, tips for managing it and living well, or to find out what research or clinical trials are available.

However, it’s important to know that the information you are looking at is reliable and current. It’s not always easy to figure out which information you can trust. Some healthcare products or treatments might say they are “scientifically tested,” but this does not mean they are “scientifically proven.”

Tips for finding trustworthy information

• Look at the web address and where the information comes from. Good health information websites are usually government sites, or sites from not-for-profit groups, support organisations, universities, or schools. The “about us” page usually tells you a bit about who set up the website.
• Check that the information is based on evidence and has references. Look for good medical research that backs up what they say.
• Make sure the information is up to date. Look for the date the information was last updated. You can usually see this at the bottom of the website.
• Always talk to your healthcare professionals about any information you have seen online. This helps make sure it’s the best fit for your personal needs and situation.

Interested in participating in research?

You can learn more about current opportunities to take part in studies that suit your experience and preferences by visiting the Participating in research page.

To find out about future research opportunities, join our Consumer Representative Community.

References

• Better Health Channel. (2015). “Finding reliable health information”