How to Volunteer for a Clinical Trial
Thousands of clinical research studies are conducted every year. There are many resources to help you find and volunteer for a clinical trial:
- you can search online for clinical studies on sites such as clinicalresearch.com
- your doctor may be able to refer you to a clinical study looking for participants
- ads about clinical studies sometimes run in newspapers and on TV and radio
- government agencies, university medical facilities, patient groups and disease associations may be good resources for information about clinical studies
Although each study with a testing population is different, each potential patient receives the same high level of care during a comprehensive screening process, which includes:
- medical history
- current medications
- preliminary screening exams
- study-specific diagnostic tests
In addition, the following may also be required:
- a copy of your medical records for review and approval
- approval by your personal physician
The goal of the screening process is to ensure that you are a suitable patient for the study in question.
In deciding whether to participate, read the informed consent form and ask questions. Be sure you evaluate the following:
- the purpose of the study, the type of investigational medication, and study procedures
- the study structure, including any in-house stays or outpatient visits
- the total length of the study and your availability to complete it
- the location of the research facility and your available transportation
- any costs associated with study participation versus any financial compensation received for participating
- any potential discomforts/risks versus benefits of participating