Yes. Participants are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before making any decision regarding clinical trial participation.

Choosing whether to join a clinical trial is a personal and often complex decision. Involving your primary care physician, specialist, or another trusted healthcare professional can help you evaluate whether a study is appropriate for your medical needs, preferences, and ongoing care.

This section explains the benefits of speaking with your doctor and how to prepare for the conversation.

Why it may be beneficial to consult your doctor

Your healthcare provider can offer valuable insights based on your personal medical history and ongoing treatment. Specifically, your doctor:

• Understands your complete medical background and existing diagnoses
• Can help assess whether participation is medically advisable
• May have knowledge of potential medication interactions or safety concerns
• Can assist in interpreting the trial’s potential risks and benefits in context
• May be familiar with clinical research and help clarify consent forms or scientific terminology

When you may choose to speak with your doctor

You may consult with your physician at any point in the process, including:

• Before completing the pre-screener, to evaluate whether trial participation is appropriate for your condition
• After being matched, but prior to consenting to referral
• After referral, while reviewing informed consent forms or other study materials
• At any stage, there is no time pressure, and participation decisions should be made thoughtfully

While there is no requirement to involve your doctor, doing so can increase your confidence and support your decision-making process.

What to Bring to the Conversation

To make your discussion with your physician more productive, consider bringing:

• A copy or summary of the trial description from the DecenTrialz platform
• A list of your questions or concerns about the study
• Any emails or documents you may have received from the research site (if referred)

You may wish to explain that you are exploring participation and would value their medical opinion regarding how the trial might affect your health, routine care, or medications.

Will my doctor be contacted automatically?

No. Neither DecenTrialz nor the research site will contact your physician unless:

• You explicitly request or authorize that they be involved
• You list your physician as a collaborator in your care
• The study protocol requires coordination with your existing care team, which may apply in complex cases

Your involvement of your doctor is entirely optional and always under your control.

Key Note: Consulting with your healthcare provider can help you make a fully informed and supported decision. Clinical trial participation is entirely voluntary. You deserve to have all available information, including your physician’s guidance, when considering your options. Asking questions or seeking a second opinion is not only appropriate, it is encouraged.