IBD clinical trials and Foundation research education
Content note: Educational content aligned with publicly available patient materials from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and other major IBD education sources. Content is used under license from the Foundation for patient education; the Foundation does not endorse IBDPal or MediVue products or services. Last reviewed August 2026. Not individual medical advice.
Educational use only. IBDPal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your gastroenterologist or IBD care team for personal decisions.
Selected Crohn's & Colitis Foundation educational content and Marks are used on IBDPal under license. This page summarizes how to use Foundation patient education and links to the original Foundation sources. The Foundation does not endorse IBDPal or MediVue. Education only, not medical advice.
Topics: IBD clinical trials, Crohn's research studies, ulcerative colitis clinical trial, Foundation clinical trial education
Why trials matter in IBD
Clinical trials help test new medicines, dosing strategies, devices, and care approaches for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Foundation research education explains why participation is voluntary, how informed consent works at a high level, and why eligibility is study-specific.
Joining a trial is a clinical decision made with investigators and your gastroenterologist, not with a website.
Questions to bring to your care team
Ask what phase the study is in, what is experimental versus standard care, visit burden, travel, and whether you can continue current therapy.
Clarify monitoring labs, rescue options if symptoms worsen, and how long follow-up lasts after the study drug ends.
Request plain-language summaries of risks, possible benefits, and alternatives if you decline.
How IBDPal fits beside Foundation research education
Use Foundation research and patients-and-caregivers pages as original educational sources.
Track symptoms, stools, medications, and side effects in IBDPal so you and the study team can see baselines before screening.
IBDPal does not enroll patients in trials, screen for eligibility, or speak for the Foundation.
Practical tips
- Bring your full medication and surgery history to any screening visit
- Ask who pays for study visits, parking, and non-study care
- Never stop prescribed therapy to chase a trial without clinician guidance
Related resources
Common questions
Does reading Foundation pages enroll me in a trial?
No. Education pages explain concepts. Enrollment happens only through a study team after screening and consent.
Can IBDPal refer me into a specific study?
No. Ask your IBD clinician or Foundation research education pathways about how to find studies that fit your disease type and location.
Free tools on ibdpal.org
Track nutrition and symptoms, explore our community map, read the blog, or download the IBDPal iOS app.
Educational only. IBDPal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your gastroenterologist or IBD care team for personal decisions.