Term of the Day

Natural History Study

A natural history study is a preplanned intended to track the course of the disease. Its purpose is to identify demographic, genetic, environmental, and other variables (e.g., treatment modalities, concomitant medications) that correlate with the disease’s development and outcomes. Natural history studies are likely to include patients receiving the current standard of care and/or emergent care, which may alter some manifestations of the disease.

C

Clinical Trial Site

A clinical trial site (or clinical site) refers to a physical location, such as a hospital, research center, or medical facility, where the clinical trial activities are conducted. It is the place where participants are recruited, enrolled, and receive the investigational treatment or intervention, as well as where data collection, monitoring, and other trial-related procedures take place. Clinical trial sites play a crucial role in ensuring the proper conduct of the trial, adhering to the protocol, and maintaining participant safety and data integrity.