When a study ends

A study does not simply stop at the last visit. Knowing what comes after helps you plan, and helps you get the most from having taken part.

The final visit

Most studies end with a closing visit or call. The team runs some final checks, collects anything you still have at home, such as unused medicine or a device, and asks how you have been. Some studies also schedule a follow-up call weeks or months later to catch any late effects.

Your treatment afterward

When the study ends, so does the study treatment, in most cases. If it seemed to help you, ask before the end whether there is a way to keep receiving it, such as an extension study. Talk to your own doctor in good time about what you will take instead, so there is no gap in your care.

Finding out the results

Results take time. The data from everyone has to be gathered, checked and analyzed, and that can take a year or more after your last visit. Many studies now send participants a plain-language summary. Results for most studies of medicines and devices are also posted on ClinicalTrials.gov.

• Ask the team to tell you which group you were in, once the study is unblinded
• Ask for any of your own test results you would like to keep
• Ask how the results summary will reach you
• Tell your doctor the study has ended

Taking part again

Many people join more than one study over the years. Some studies ask for a gap before you join another, especially after a new medicine, so check with the team before signing up for the next. Your Origin sign-up stays open until you ask us to close it, so we will keep watching in the meantime.