Clinical Trail Registers: Resource of the week #49

What is it?

This week’s resource is actually several databases. These databases allow you to find clinical trials that have been registered:

• ClinicalTrials.gov – US-based registry
• Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
• Current controlled trials
• UK Clinical Trials Gateway
• WHO International clinical trial search portal

Key Features

The registers list the title of the trial and some information about the trial. There may also be an indication of whether the trial is recruiting or whether it is complete. You can search using free-text, some registers allow you to select the medical condition you are interested in.

How can it help you?

If you are completing a research project it may be worth checking the registers to find out if anyone else is doing the same or similar research. You can subscribe to some of the services so that you are informed of new trials being registered.

Some of the trials also indicate whether they are recruiting patients – this might be something that you want to discuss with some of your patients.

How to access it?

All the websites listed are freely available on the Internet.