Before the appointment
Listen first. Help write down questions about risks, costs, travel, visits, and who to call later if the patient wants that help.
Support others
Helping Someone Through Clinical Trial Decisions
Clinical trial decisions can feel overwhelming. Family, friends, and caregivers can help by listening, organizing questions, taking notes, and supporting the patient’s choices.
During the conversation
If invited, take notes about instructions, next steps, dates, side effects to report, and study-team contacts.
After the visit
Help compare answers with the consent form and track visits, tests, transportation, medicines, or follow-up instructions.
When emotions are high
Pause, restate what you heard, and ask what kind of help would feel useful right now.
What not to do
Do not pressure the patient, promise benefit, minimize risk, or treat a trial discussion as a decision already made.
Optional support tool
Create a trial-specific support guide
Search recently viewed or saved trials from Explore. This packet is a discussion aid, not a decision, recommendation, or eligibility result.