Participating in a clinical research study can be an incredible experience for anyone who wants to further the cause of medical science. If you haven’t done it before, you may be curious about what you need to know to participate. Learn these questions to ask before participating in clinical research, and you’ll be well-prepared.
Questions to Ask Before Participating in Clinical Research
If you’ve never participated in a clinical research study before, it’s only natural that you’d have questions about what the process will be like. It can feel a little intimidating to ask questions, especially when dealing with experts in their field. However, it’s the best way to ensure you get what you want and need from the experience. What are the right questions to ask before participating in clinical research?
General Questions
No matter why you’re participating, getting as much information as possible about the experience is always helpful. Questions about the clinical research studies’ purpose and protocol can help you understand what your participation will entail:
- What is being researched as a part of this trial, and why?
- How long will I be participating?
- Should I expect an overnight stay or other forms of extended downtime during the study?
- What kinds of investigational drugs and/or devices or tests will I be participating in?
- Who will be in charge of caring for me during the clinical research study, and how can I communicate with them?
- What is the process for closing the clinical research study and sharing the results with participants?
Your Rights as a Participant
Because clinical research studies include informed consent for all participants, you should be aware of your rights before the trial begins. However, if you need clarification on those rights, these questions may help you find it:
- How will my health information be protected as I participate? What about after the study?
- If I need to leave the study, what is the process for doing that?
- Who can I speak with if I have questions or concerns about my participation?
- What kind of medical care or monitoring will I receive to ensure my well-being?
Risks and Benefits for Participants
Some people participate in clinical trials so they can access certain kinds of medical care. Others join to help further science. No matter why you’re participating in a clinical research study, you’ll want to know the risks and benefits involved:
- What side effects are expected as a part of clinical research study participation?
- If I am injured due to my participation, how will I be cared for, and who is financially responsible for that care?
- What benefits can I expect from participating in this trial?
- How will I be compensated for my participation?
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Don’t let the clinical research process be a mystery. If these questions don’t give you the answers you’re looking for, reach out to the clinical research staff for more information.
Have you ever thought about participating in a clinical research study? You could be a part of history! QPS Missouri is looking for new participants. Since opening its doors in 1994, QPS Missouri has conducted over 1,500 FDA-regulated studies, paying out nearly $50 million to local participants. Your local participation could have a global impact, as QPS is an international leader in contract research with facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our mission is to accelerate the development of drugs worldwide by enabling breakthroughs in pharmaceutical innovation. If you would like to join us in this crucial healthcare mission, consider applying for a clinical research trial.
To get started, you simply need to fill out an online application. After that, within 48 business hours, a recruiting coordinator will contact you for your pre-screening assessment. To learn more, please visit the QPS Missouri website, review the study participation process, or check out our list of frequently asked questions.