Q: What is a clinical trial?
A: A clinical trial is a study where a new medication, vaccine or device is being tested. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the safest and fastest way to find effective treatments and new ways to improve health.
Q: Why should I participate in a clinical trial?
A: Clinical trial participants can take a more active role in their health care, access new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.
Q: Are clinical trials safe?
A: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all clinical trials to ensure safety. Participants are followed closely by doctors, researchers, and other healthcare professionals throughout the trial.
Q: Who can participate in a trial?
A: Anyone who qualifies. Selection criteria vary from trial to trial.
Q: Is my information private?
A: Yes. At the beginning of each study there is a full disclosure of all parties that will have access to your information. For most trials, all data is blinded, so researchers cannot trace any information back to the participant.
Q: Is there compensation for participating?
A: Yes. Compensation opportunities for patient time and travel are listed with each trial description.
Q: What can a participant expect?
A: The specific study consent forms and additional clinical trial information will detail participants’ expectations.
Q: What is informed consent?
A: Informed consent means that the volunteer agrees to participate in the trial under conditions explained by the investigator.
Q: Can someone participate in more than one study?
A: Yes, but not at the same time.
Q: How long does a study last?
A: Clinical trials vary in length. Some trials are as short as a few weeks or as long as a few years.
Q: Do I have to report my compensation as income?
A: Yes, if you received $600.00 or more in a single tax year.
