At NBEA we view Clinical Research as an integrated care option for many of our patients. Studies indicate that patients participating in clinical research programs are more engaged in managing their personal health and suggest that an integrated approach to clinical research by healthcare providers may lead to a decrease in the total cost of care, improve population health and increase overall patient satisfaction.
Under the direction of Jason Bacharach, MD, NBEA conducts ophthalmology specific research studies in which, volunteers receive investigational treatments under the supervision of a physician and other highly capable research professionals. These treatments are developed by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies who select qualified physicians to conduct clinical trials to determine the efficacy of their drugs and devices.
All research studies have guidelines about who can participate in clinical trials. The guidelines may include specific criteria such as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment and other medical conditions. Some research studies seek participants with specific illnesses or conditions while others require healthy participants.
There are benefits as well as risks associated with participation in clinical trials. One benefit is that the volunteers in the trial participate in the development of medical therapies that may offer better treatments and even cures for life-threatening and chronic diseases. During the trial period participants also receive free medications, free exams, compensation for their time and travel and gain access to the newest medications or treatments available for their condition before they become widely available for general consumption. Some risks may include unpleasent side effects to the experimental treatment or the treatment may prove not to be effective in general.
Participation in a clinical trial may require more time and attention than obtaining non-study related care. However, participants receive a high level of medical attention and have their health closely monitored both during and after the trial. Volunteers may withdraw from a study at any time and for any reason.
For more information about participating in one of our current or future clinical trials, talk with your NBEA physician on your next office visit or contact the NBEA Clinical Research Department located in Petaluma, CA 707-769-2237