Why get involved

Clinical studies are by no means a new concept. Somewhere between 605 and 562 BC King Nebuchadnezzar II is reported to have carried out the first clinical study when he ordered that a strict diet of meat and wine be followed for three years. Four children of royal blood convinced Nebuchadnezzar to allow them to exchange bread and water for the required meal. After only ten days those who have switched to bread and water appear more resplendent and well nourished than those who have stuck to wine and meat.

In 1537 Renaissance surgeon Ambroise Parè mixed a concoction of oil of rose, turpentine and egg yolk as a replacement for the commonly used treatment of open wounds using boiling oil and cauterisation. One day after the unintentional study, Parè observes that the wounds treated with the traditional formula are swollen and extremely painful, whilst the wounds treated with the experimental mixture were recovered due to the antiseptic properties of turpentine

Whilst clinical studies have come a long way since the times of Nebuchadnezzar and Parè, their importance and the vital role they play in the future of medicine is no less significant.

Making the political agenda

The important role clinical studies play in shaping the future of medicine has also made the political agenda. Last summer, Health Secretary Alan Johnson told a Downing Street summit that as many patients as possible will ‘have the opportunity to be part of medical research that will transform the healthcare and wellbeing of the population'.

He discussed new plans which had the objective of ensuring that patients, from every part of the country, with any illness or disease, are made aware of research that is of particular relevance to them. However, in reality, how many of us, both before and since Mr Johnson's speech, have been given the opportunity to participate? Probably very few.

The health of future generations

In summary, clinical studies, collectively, have the benefit of advancing our medical understanding. Without clinical studies and medical research, cancers would not be curable, we wouldn't be able to treat what were once debilitating conditions (such as arthritis) and a simple headache would be a far more significant issue in our lives.

On a personal level clinical studies have the potential to enable us to find relief from conditions we struggle to control, or could help us identify health issues we didn't even know we were meant to be concerned about. Essentially they enable us to take control of our own health whilst making a positive contribution to the health of future generations. Personal gain wrapped up in an altruistic benefit; not even chocolate is that good!