Clinical trials are studies that test new drugs, procedures, or medical devices to ensure they’re safe and effective. But these studies aren’t possible without participants like you! Participating in a clinical trial as a research study participant allows you to make a direct impact on scientific discovery and advancing the field of medicine. Trial investigators are always looking for eligible individuals to join their studies.
Benefits of Participating in Clinical Trials
You can join clinical trials as either a healthy volunteer or as a participant with a certain condition or disease. The reasons for participating are likely different between groups, but they all have the same impact.
Some people join clinical trials simply to help others and contribute to something bigger than themselves. If a new drug finishes clinical trials and eventually gains approval from the regulatory agency (which in the U.S. is the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA), it will potentially improve thousands of patients’ lives. Other study participants have a personal stake in the matter. If you or a loved one are living with a disease or condition, you may want to contribute to advancements in treatment.
If you participate in a clinical trial studying a treatment for your disease or condition, you may receive extra benefits such as:
- Expert care with the clinical research medical team at a leading healthcare facility
- Access to new treatments that may be beneficial to you that aren’t yet available to the public
- Taking an active part in your healthcare journey, which can be empowering to some
- Extra care at little to no cost during the trial
Find Clinical Trials Near Me
Interested in clinical trials? Simply search by postal code and type of condition to see what’s going on in your area.
Some clinical trials also pay their participants for their time. Participating in these studies can take a significant time commitment, and in some cases participants may be compensated. However, compensation from clinical trials is set at a level that will not cause undue influence on participation decisions. The study investigators will go over any potential compensation with you during the informed consent process.
How to Ask Questions About Benefits of a Clinical Trial
While these are the general benefits to participants of a clinical trial, you likely want to understand how a specific study may benefit you if you are to participate. There is a well-defined process for anyone considering participating in a study to ask about its potential benefits to you, as well as the limitations to those benefits. The same informed consent process that governs clinical trial participation and disclosure of potential risks is a great opportunity for you to ask questions about the benefits of a particular study.
In the end, the choice to join a clinical trial is completely up to you, and should be with your best interests in mind.
