Clinical research is a branch of medical science that focuses on studying new treatments, drugs, and medical devices in humans. It aims to gather data on their safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects. This research often involves clinical trials, where volunteers participate to help researchers understand how a treatment works in real-life situations.
The process of clinical research typically follows a structured approach, including several phases. In the early phases, small groups of participants are tested to assess safety, while later phases involve larger groups to evaluate effectiveness. The findings from these studies can lead to new therapies and improve patient care.