Why Research Just for Kids is Important
Kids are different from grown-ups, and they need their own kind of medical studies. Here's why:
- Some conditions happen more often, or only, in kids.
- Kids' bodies are still growing. Medications and vaccines that are okay for adults might not work the same for kids, or might need a different dose to be safe.
- Some treatments for adults don't work well for children.
Research helps us find the best ways to stop, spot, and treat kids' diseases.
Thinking About Research for Your Child?
Deciding if your child should join a study is a big choice for parents and guardians. It's a good idea to talk with your child's doctor to help decide. They can tell you if the study is a good fit.
Before your child joins, the research team will talk about why the study is happening, what your child will do, and any risks. They'll also explain how they keep kids safe in the study. They will answer all your questions, so you can decide if it's right for your child and your family.
If you think the study is right for your child, you'll need to say it's okay by signing a form, giving your consent for your child to participate. If your child is old enough, they'll also be asked if they want to join. This is called giving their assent, and it may be either verbal or written.
Keeping Kids Safe in Studies
At Duke, keeping kids safe in studies is very important. Both the Duke Institutional Review Board (IRB), and a special pediatric reviewer look at every study for kids under 18 to make sure it's safe before the team can start. They then continue to review the study regularly while it is happening.
Clinical trials may have special groups who look at the data and risks, or a doctor or nurse who monitor the study as it is being done.
Want to Learn More?
You can look for studies for children in our study directory.
You can find out more about research in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke.
This website from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has a lot of information on clinical research in children.