Publication date:  June 2009          Review date: December 2010

Well-designed clinical trials are a vital contribution to advancing medical knowledge, in order to improve treatment, care and quality of life for patients. It is important that trial volunteers understand what is involved and are able to make an informed choice. The new Healthtalkonline section on Experiences of Clinical Trials features interviews with 42 people from a wide range of backgrounds talking about why they took part in a trial, what information they needed, and what it was like for them. It also includes accounts from patients who decided not to take part, and those who withdrew from a trial. Select from the key topics below or choose from the 'Full list of topics' to explore all the topics covered.