May 2007, Volume 4 Issue 2

SearchClinicalTrials.org is a tool for all If you’ve ever volunteered for a clinical trial, you’ve probably encountered a bewildering - even overwhelming - array of online resources. More than 1,500 organizations, including private sector research sponsors, investigative sites, general and health information publishers, and disease-specific groups now list clinical trials on the internet. And the number is growing.

These eye-opening findings underscore the need for CISCRP’s new free public service resource, SearchClinicalTrials.org (SCT). Launched in November 2006 with searches powered by FAST Search & Transfer, this online tool uses sophisticated technologies to scan the web and compile clinical trial listings and results in one location. In addition, SCT allows users to customize their searches by disease or condition; geographic location; clinical trial sponsors, phase and type; recruitment status; age eligibility requirements; and more. In keeping with CISCRP’s goal of increasing public awareness and understanding of clinical research participation and the role that it plays in public health, SCT also provides links to current medical news and a list of insightful questions to ask before participating in a clinical trial.

With recruitment and retention of participants one of the biggest obstacles to the timely completion of clinical trials, SCT helps users obtain information about clinical research quickly, easily and conveniently. Creating a centralized comprehensive database of clinical trials gives prospective volunteers the ability to be educated and make informed decisions about clinical research. SCT will be a valuable tool in CISCRP’s effort to become the public's primary and most trusted source for education about clinical research participation.

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