
Center for Pain and Rehab Medicine

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Patient
Resources
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PATIENT RESOURCES
Check Out Some of the Useful Links
Participating in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. We encourage patients and their families to learn about the clinical research process, understand their rights, and discuss participation with their healthcare provider. The following trusted resources provide reliable information about clinical research, ongoing studies, and patient protections.
1. ClinicalTrials.gov
Website: https://clinicaltrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is the largest publicly accessible database of clinical studies conducted worldwide. Maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it allows patients to:
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Search for clinical trials by disease, condition, medication, or location
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Learn about eligibility requirements
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Find study locations and contact information
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Review study objectives and current recruitment status
Why it's helpful: This is often the best starting point for patients interested in participating in clinical research.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Website: https://www.nih.gov
The NIH provides comprehensive information on diseases, medical research, and clinical trials. Patients can access:
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Health education materials
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Information on research advances
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Clinical trial participation guides
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Resources for patients and caregivers
Why it's helpful: Offers trustworthy, evidence-based health information directly from the nation's leading medical research agency.
3. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Website: https://www.niams.nih.gov
For patients with musculoskeletal disorders, NIAMS provides educational information on:
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Arthritis
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Osteoporosis
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Lupus
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Tendon and ligament injuries
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Bone, muscle, and joint disorders
Why it's helpful: Excellent resource for patients seeking reliable information about musculoskeletal diseases and ongoing research.
4. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Website: https://www.ninds.nih.gov
Patients with neuromuscular disorders can find information regarding:
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Peripheral neuropathy
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Muscular dystrophy
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Myasthenia gravis
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ALS
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Parkinson's disease
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Stroke and neurological disorders
Why it's helpful: Provides patient education, research updates, and information about neurological clinical trials.
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Website: https://www.fda.gov
The FDA oversees the safety and effectiveness of medications,
biologics, and medical devices.
Patients can learn about:
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How new medications are approved
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Clinical trial safety
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Drug recalls and safety alerts
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Medication information
Why it's helpful: Helps patients understand the drug approval process and how new treatments reach the public.
6. Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP)
Website: https://www.ciscrp.org
CISCRP is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about clinical research.
Resources include:
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Plain-language explanations of clinical trials
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Educational videos
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Frequently asked questions
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Guides for first-time research participants
Why it's helpful: One of the most patient-friendly educational resources available.
7. MedlinePlus
Website: https://medlineplus.gov
MedlinePlus offers easy-to-understand health information on thousands of diseases and conditions.
Patients can access:
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Medication information
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Medical encyclopedia articles
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Videos and illustrations
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Wellness resources
Why it's helpful: A trusted source for understandable medical information without commercial advertising.
8. Patient Advocate Foundation
Website: https://www.patientadvocate.org
The Patient Advocate Foundation assists patients with:
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Insurance issues
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Financial assistance
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Access to medical care
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Care coordination
Why it's helpful: Valuable for patients facing financial or insurance challenges during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive medical care during a clinical trial?
Yes. Participants receive study-related medical care from qualified physicians and research professionals throughout the study.
Is participation voluntary?
Absolutely. Joining a clinical trial is completely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without affecting your regular medical care.
Will my personal information remain confidential?
Yes. Clinical research studies follow strict federal regulations and ethical guidelines to protect participant privacy and confidentiality.
Are clinical trials safe?
Clinical trials are carefully monitored by physicians, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), sponsors, and regulatory agencies to protect participant safety. Every study follows strict protocols and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
Can I participate if I already have a physician?
Yes. Many participants continue seeing their primary care physician or specialist while participating in a clinical study. With your permission, your healthcare providers may be kept informed of your participation.
Our Commitment to Patients
At DMF Clinical Research Center, we believe informed patients make empowered decisions. Our research team is committed to providing clear information, answering your questions, and ensuring that every participant is treated with respect, compassion, and the highest standards of ethical care throughout every stage of the clinical research process.
We understand you might have many questions before undertaking any treatment or surgery. Check out the links before that might be useful for you.
Call (678) 284-4000 to set up a quick initial consultation with t DMF Clinical Research Center

