How to Participate in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are one way medical professionals test new drugs and treatments to determine which should be available to patients and which still need work. Some people like to participate in clinical trials because they feel that it’s a personal contribution to the field of medical research. Others do it because they have a certain illness or disease that isn’t positively reacting to their current medications or treatments, and they hope the study medications will help. Some people participate because it’s a paying market that also contributes to helping people. Whether you’re looking to make a personal contribution to medical research, want to find a medicine that helps you, or just need a little extra money, clinical trials could be a great way to impact your community and earn some extra cash.

Finding a Clinical Trials Institute

Medical trials take place in a facility where doctors and nurses trained in medical research monitor you during the study. For some studies you will be required to stay at the facility for the duration of the study. Most medical research facilities have websites where you can view the upcoming clinical trials and see the requirements for participating in a trial. For trials with a lack of participants, you may be able to find ads placed in newspapers advertising the clinical trial and providing information on how to participate.

If you locate a facility but they aren’t currently conducting any tests, you can be put on a contact list. You will specify exactly which sorts of studies you’re interested in, and probably fill out a questionnaire, and the facility will contact you when clinical trials are available. Many facilities are even putting volunteer databases directly on their website so you can sign up from home.

Participating in a Trial

Clinical trials often take place in stages or phases. The first phase is the part where the facility will monitor you and ensure that there won’t be complications with the rest of the trial. You may need to stay at the facility or visit a few times a week. The second phase may involve medications or treatments that you participate in and report your progress to the institute.

Upon completion of each phase you might be provided with compensation. Many times the compensation is monetary, but some institutes will consider any therapy or free medications as your compensation for some phases of the trial. Once you complete a study, you may be eligible to participate in more clinical trials. Make sure you speak with your primary physician if you have any concerns about participating in a certain study.

Learn more about signing up to be part of a potential clinical trial at http://www.drugtrial.co.uk.