Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Spring 2006)

Clinical trials help doctors find new and better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, control and treat illnesses, according to the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.

These national research studies test the safety, effects and effectiveness of health interventions such as new medicines. Medical advances, such as new treatments for cancer, have often resulted from clinical trials.

To get started, patients will need to know how to find a clinical trial and what questions to ask about its potential benefits and risks. Patients should begin by asking their doctor what clinical trials are available and which ones might be suitable for them.

Local residents who want to do some research themselves online can turn to www.healthinfosource.com and check out the health topic “Clinical Trials.” The health topic is among 80 offered on the web site, in addition to listings for more than 1,300 healthcare providers in the greater Fort Collins area. The free web site is sponsored by the Health District, Poudre Valley Health System/PVH Foundation and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The “Clinical Trials” health topic can help connect people to credible web sites that offer comprehensive lists of organizations, researchers and companies conducting clinical trials. One recommended web site lets patients search for clinical trials by disease or condition, sponsor or status of the trial.

Locally, Poudre Valley Hospital participates in a number of clinical trials offered through research hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. These research studies can range from osteoporosis to post-operative pain, but most at PVH have to do with cancer or heart disease. To find out what trials are available through PVH, contact Kimberly Woods-McCormick at 495-7333.