The role healthcare professionals play in clinical research

Why your relationship with patients can be key

As a healthcare professional, you have an important role to play in clinical trials. By identifying, informing, and educating patients who might benefit from taking part, you will be helping us to learn more about diseases and potentially develop new treatment options.

Why we’re glad you’re here

A lot of patients are simply not aware that clinical trials could be an option for them. Others are reluctant to explore this option because they have preconceptions about the potential risks of taking part. You’re ideally placed to introduce the option of clinical research, and to help educate patients about taking part in a trial.

How you can help

Talk to your patients about options to participate in clinical trials

Beginning the conversation early, within a trusted doctor-patient relationship, can be an important first step. You can provide patients with a safe space to ask candid questions before they even speak with a trial team member. These personal conversations can help patients decide if a trial could be a good fit for their life and health, and potentially help them address any mistrust they may have of trials in general.

Consider referring patients to clinical trials

If you are interested in referring a patient to one of our trials, you should contact the trial team directly wherever possible. The trial coordinator will be able to answer your initial questions about the trial and advise you on how to refer your patient. Each trial listed on this website includes contact details for the relevant trial team.

The final decision on whether your patient can join the trial will be made by the trial coordinator. This will happen once the patient has met the trial team, provided informed consent, and completed the screening tests necessary to confirm their eligibility to participate.

Providing your patient gives permission for them to do so, the trial team will regularly update you on their enrollment progress (and, if enrolled, the clinical trial thereafter).

Reach out to underrepresented populations

Many populations are underrepresented in clinical trials and, often, these patients are simply not approached about taking part. But it’s important to remember that accurate representation in trials could help fight health disparities and inequities within your community.

 

Read more about talking to people in these populations about clinical trials.

Where next?

You may also be interested in exploring the related topics below.

Investigator-Initiated Trial support (IITs)

We’re keen to work with external researchers in a number of therapeutic areas. If that’s something you’re interested in, why not find out more?

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Becoming an Investigator

If you’re interested in learning more about our clinical programs and how you can get involved in Biogen research, please contact us.

Send an email
Accessing clinical trial results and trial data

Our Clinical Trial Transparency policy includes providing access to study-level clinical trial summary results and study-level and patient-level clinical trial information.

LEARN MORE
Our Global Access Mechanisms

Our Global Access Mechanisms mean patients may potentially gain access to an investigational drug in the following ways: clinical trials, post-trial access (PTA), early access programs (EAPs), and Compassionate Use.

Find Out More