Below is a basic outline of what we think a clinical trial website might look like, providing plain-English information to patients and healthcare professionals...
SPARKLE Trial
(This is not a real trial, probably)
Every pill matters. Every life cherished.
Our goal is to cure diseases in every kind of body, but only 9% of clinical trial participants come from minority ethnic background.
We can't make medicine for you without your help.
Ask your doctor if taking part in a clinical trial is right for you.
What are we doing?
We're conducting a clinical trial to see if sparkling water is an effective treatment for individuals suffering from dehydration.
Who's involved?
We're working with clinicians, university partners, patient advocacy groups and the patients enrolled in our clinical trial. We want to make sure that we're capturing the views and insights of all relevant stakeholders.
How do I get involved?
If your clinician is involved in the trial you can speak to them directly. Alternatively, if you contact us we will point you towards a clinician who might be able to help you. Only a clinician can recruit and enrol a patient into a trial.
What support do you offer?
Before joining: receive support in understanding the document and forms, and clarification of the procedure
During the process: Mental and emotional support from community nurse, helpline, psychologists
Anytime: legal support to make sure the patients know their rights
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the potential side effects?
Before conducting this trial, we trialled sparkling water on a population of healthy individuals to see if there were any side effects. We identified merriment, polydipsia and polyuria as side effects. As part of this next trial, we will be looking closely to see if there are any other side effects.
2. What about my expenses?
You'll be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses required for you to participate in the trial.
3. How much time will it take?
You'll be reimbursed for your time. There'll be a few visits to hospital where you'll meet with your regular doctor. In many cases, there's little extra time commitment required beyond the normal followups you'll be having as part of your routine care.
4. What if I get stuck with the placebo drug?
In trials, it's important to have a control group. Since we're testing a new therapeutic option, we want to compare it to the existing therapeutic option (lemonade). That means that about half of the patients in the trial will be receiving the normal therapeutic option (lemonade), not the new one we're testing (sparkling water). At the end, we'll compare the results of those who received the existing therapeutic vs the new one. You won't know which group you're in until trial ends and neither will your doctor. No one will be deprived of treatment, even the control group will carry on with normal treatment.
4. Who do I contact if I've got any more questions?
You can contact us at sparkle@sparkletrial.fakeemail