Clinical trials are an important part of medical science. Drug testing is imperative to check the safety and validity of medicines and practices in combating illness and disease control. To take part in a clinical trial is to assist scientists in this battle and perhaps help others alleviate suffering, or, in some cases, even save lives.
Who can take part?
There are many different types of clinical trials. Some may be gender specific, age specific or even illness specific. It is important to gather the information beforehand regarding which volunteer demographics are applicable if you are thinking of volunteering for a specific trial. If you dont have a specific trial in mind, there is normally something suitable for most people who are interested in taking part.
The Process
Before any clinical trial is undertaken, you will need to undergo a medical (commonly called a screening visit). Volunteers generally need to be healthy and tests are in place to ensure your safety and the tenacity of the ongoing trial. If this test is failed you will be unable to partake in the clinical testing so if you catch a cold a few days before your screening visit it would be a good idea to call in and arrange a new appointment for a later date.
Possible risks involved
As with most things in life, there is an element of risk involved, but clinical trials are heavily regulated and the safety of volunteers is always the primary concern. Should you have any worries, it is important to discuss these at your initial assessment. The people carrying out the trial will provide you with a booklet containing information about the trial before you take part, and at no point are you under any contractual obligation to carry on with the trial. Clinical research companies are happy to answer any questions you may have about the trial, and you will be closely monitored throughout the entire duration.
Payments for undertaken trials
In general, most clinical trials last from between 1 and 30 days and may take up precious time that you would have otherwise spent working. Volunteers are paid between £500 and £3000 for taking part in a trial; the payment is directly proportionate to the length of time committed to the trial. There are also expenses to take account of for travel costs. Volunteers are paid up to £100 to account for the costs of travelling each time they need to visit the Clinical Research Unit (CRU).
Things to consider
For their own safety and the tenacity of test results, volunteers can only partake in one clinical trial at a time. After undertaking one clinical test, you will be unable to take part in another trial for 3 months. The 3 month cool down period begin from the date your last trial ended.
Smoking may be allowed in some clinical trials within a designated area, but some trials prohibit smoking entirely. If you are a smoker it is therefore a good idea to check before applying for a particular study, in relation to whether or not smoking is allowed.
Consider the length of time you will be required to stay at the CRU. You may need to arrange childcare, or for a friend to look after your pet. A travel itinerary is a good idea if you don't drive and are dependent on public transport. Also, ensure you pack for the duration of your stay. Trials are carefully planned and rarely go over the designated duration allotted.
Make notes of any questions you may have for the initial screening stage. If this is your first clinical trial, it is important to note all concerns and ensure you are happy moving forwards.
There are plenty of opportunities for clinical trial volunteers. All new treatments and existing treatments that have been modified need to go through the clinical trial process before they can apply for licensing and be made available for prescription. Volunteers, therefore, are an exceptionally important part of medical science. To be a part of this process could make a huge difference in quality of life for someone else, possibly even a loved one. Whilst there is a financial motivation for volunteers to take part, creating safer or more effective medicines is in itself the reward for many admirable people.
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By Nick Davison
This post was written by Nick Davison, Nick writes on a number of topics including Health, Psychology, and Medical Development.
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