Principal Investigator — What It Means in Clinical Trials
Plain English Definition
The principal investigator (PI) is the doctor who leads the clinical trial at a specific site. The PI is responsible for the conduct of the trial at their location, including enrolling participants, administering treatment, collecting data, and ensuring participant safety. Each trial site has its own PI.
Why It Matters
The PI is your main point of contact during a trial. They oversee your care and make clinical decisions. Knowing who the PI is can help you research their expertise and feel more confident about your participation.
Example
A trial listing might show: "Principal Investigator: Dr. Jane Smith, MD, Department of Oncology, University Hospital."
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