These terms are often mistaken for one another due to their similar phrasing; however, each carries a specific meaning and serves a unique purpose within its context. The distinctions between the two are explained below.
- Clinical research is a broad term. It includes any study that involves people, even ones that don’t test treatments.
- Clinical trials are a type of clinical research. They test a new drug, device, or method to see if it works and is safe.
For example:
- A survey about sleep habits is clinical research.
- A study testing a new sleep medication is a clinical trial.
Key Note: All types of clinical research must follow strict rules to protect participants. This includes informed consent, safety monitoring, and privacy protections under HIPAA.
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