If you have never taken part in medical research before, the idea of a "clinical trial" can sound intimidating — or raise questions you are not sure how to ask. What actually happens at the first visit? Will you be treated like a research subject or like a patient? Is it safe? This guide walks Broward County and South Florida patients through exactly what to expect, from the first phone call to your final study visit, so you can make an informed decision about whether research participation is right for you.

Lung Research Florida, led by Dr. Frank Hull, conducts pulmonary clinical trials in Plantation, FL for conditions including severe asthma, COPD, chronic cough, and bronchiectasis. Every study follows the same core process outlined below, regardless of which condition is being studied.

The Clinical Trial Process, Step by Step

1. Initial Contact and Pre-Screening

The process begins with a phone call or an online eligibility form. A research coordinator asks general questions about your diagnosis, current symptoms, and treatment history to get a first read on whether a currently enrolling study might be a fit. This step is free, confidential, and does not obligate you to anything.

2. In-Person Screening Visit

If pre-screening suggests you may qualify, you are scheduled for an in-person screening visit at our Plantation office. This typically includes a physician evaluation, a review of your medical history and current medications, and study-specific testing — which may involve pulmonary function testing, blood work, or symptom questionnaires depending on the trial. Screening determines whether you meet the study's specific eligibility criteria.

3. Informed Consent

Before any study procedure or investigational treatment begins, you go through informed consent — a detailed conversation, backed by a written document, explaining the purpose of the study, what will be asked of you, potential risks and benefits, how your data will be used, and your right to withdraw at any time. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as you need before signing, and you can take the document home to review or discuss with family first.

4. Enrollment and Baseline Assessment

Once you consent and confirm eligibility, you are formally enrolled. A baseline visit establishes your starting point — symptom scores, lung function, and other measures relevant to the specific condition being studied — against which your progress will be tracked.

5. Treatment and Monitoring Visits

Depending on the study, you may receive an investigational medication, a comparator treatment, or standard-of-care therapy, with regular follow-up visits to monitor your response and safety. Visit frequency varies by trial but is always disclosed upfront during informed consent. Our research team is your primary point of contact throughout, and you can reach a coordinator with questions or concerns between scheduled visits.

6. Study Completion and Follow-Up

At the end of the study period, a final assessment is performed, and many studies include a follow-up safety check after your last dose or procedure. Some studies offer an extension phase allowing continued access to investigational treatment for patients who benefited.

Why Broward County Patients Choose Local Research

For patients living in Plantation, Sunrise, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and across Broward County, participating in research close to home means fewer long-distance trips for frequent visits, continuity with a research team who knows your case, and access to specialist-level pulmonary evaluation that may not otherwise be readily available. Dr. Hull brings over 20 years of pulmonary clinical research experience to every study conducted through Lung Research Florida.

Current Areas of Research

Lung Research Florida has studied investigational treatments across several respiratory conditions. Learn more about eligibility and current enrollment status for each:

• Severe Asthma clinical trials
• COPD clinical trials
• Chronic Cough clinical trials
• Bronchiectasis clinical trials

Enrollment status changes as studies open and close, so we recommend contacting our research team directly for the most current information about which trials are actively recruiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to participate in a clinical trial?

Every trial at Lung Research Florida is reviewed and approved by an independent IRB before enrollment and follows FDA safety guidelines throughout. You are monitored closely at every visit, and you may withdraw at any time without affecting your regular care.

Will I be given a placebo instead of real treatment?

It depends on the specific study design, which is explained clearly during informed consent before you decide to enroll. Many respiratory studies compare an investigational treatment against standard-of-care therapy rather than an inactive placebo.

Does participating cost anything?

No. Study-related evaluations, investigational treatment, and monitoring are provided at no cost, and many studies compensate for time and travel.

Can I keep seeing my own doctor while enrolled?

Yes. Research participation is designed to complement your existing care team, not replace it. With your permission, we can coordinate with your regular physician.

What happens to my health information?

It is protected under HIPAA and handled according to strict research privacy protocols, with access limited to authorized study personnel. The informed consent process explains exactly how your information is used before you agree to participate.

For general questions not covered here, visit our full Clinical Trials FAQ.

Clinical trial participation is voluntary. All studies are reviewed and approved by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB) and follow FDA safety guidelines. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician to determine whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for your individual situation.