Question Prompt Lists

A question prompt list is a structured list of questions that people may wish to ask their cancer specialist about their disease and treatment. It is important to understand the answers to these questions before considering whether to join a clinical trial.
Two types of question prompt lists have been developed by the University of Sydney research team for the Australian Cancer Trials website. They contain questions about participating in clinical trials.

The first type is a list of questions to consider when you are thinking of joining any clinical trial. It is called 'Should I consider joining a clinical trial?'. 

The second question prompt list is used when you have selected a particular trial and prompts you to ask questions about that specific clinical trial. It is called 'Should I consider joining this clinical trial?'. There is also a decision aid which helps you to think about whether you want to join the clinical trial you have identified.

General question prompt list: Should I consider joining a clinical trial?

It is important to understand the answers to these questions before considering whether to join a clinical trial. General answers to these questions can be found using the information provided on this website. More specific answers to the questions can also be found using the information about each cancer trial.

You will not find all the answers to these questions on the Australian Cancer Trials website. You can print the question prompt list and ask your cancer specialist the questions you cannot find the answers for.

 

Understanding my treatment choices
  1. What is the usual (standard) treatment for my condition?
  2. How do I find a suitable clinical trial?
  3. Who can join?
  4. How do I take part?
  5. How will my confidentiality be protected? 
Finding out about a trial
  1. How can I learn more about the trial which interests me?  
Understanding the possible benefits
  1. What benefits could I get by joining a trial?
  2. If I join a trial, how might others benefit?
Understanding the possible risks
  1. What are the general risks of being in a trial?   
  2. If I get a side effect or injury because of being in the trial, will I get compensation?
The differences between going on the trial and having standard treatment
  1. What are the usual costs of being in a trial and how does this differ from standard treatment?
 Types of clinical trials and understanding 'randomization' and 'blinding'
  1. What types of clinical trials are there?
  2. What does randomization mean?
  3. What does blinding mean?
Understanding my right to join or not to join the trial
  1. Will my doctor still treat me if I decide not to go on a trial?
  2. Do I have time to think about whether to go on a trial (a day or two, or a week?)
  3. If I join the trial, but later change my mind, how can I stop?
  4. Will I be penalized in any way?
Results of the trial
  1. How will I be informed of the results of a trial?
  2. How are the results measured?