Deciding to participate in a clinical trial can be an intimidating experience. With so many unknowns, it’s important to know that certain regulations protect participants from harm or unethical treatment.
Benefits of Participating in Clinical Trials
When you participate in a clinical trial, you play an important role in advancing medical research. Enrolling in a clinical trial gives you access to new, cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the general public. You also gain the personal satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to improve the lives of others. Clinical trial staff members are highly trained and experienced in caring for people with your specific condition. They will closely monitor your health throughout the trial and can provide you with the best possible care. Knowing that you are doing everything you can to fight your disease can be empowering. It can also help put your mind at ease, knowing that you are receiving the best care.
How Are Participants Protected?
The safety of our participants in clinical studies is our top priority. There are many protocols from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office for Human Research Protections. These protocols are followed closely and there are a few things you should keep in mind for your protection.
Informed Consent
When you join a clinical trial, you will be asked to sign an informed consent document. This document explains the trial’s purpose, what will happen during the trial, and any potential risks and benefits. The informed consent process protects your rights as a participant and helps you make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in a clinical trial.
Do Your Own Research
When considering whether you want to join a clinical trial, make sure to do your own research first to make sure the study is being run by a qualified and experienced investigator or physician. Look into their past research and their focused areas of study to determine how safe this trial will be. At Altus Research, all of our clinical investigators and researchers are certified and highly trained.
Ask Questions
Once you sign the informed consent document, you must follow the trial’s protocol so it is important to ask any questions that are on your mind so that you can decide whether to join. It means you may be asked to do things outside your usual routine, such as take medication or undergo medical procedures.
Option to Withdraw
It is important to remember that you are a volunteer and can withdraw from a clinical trial at any time. Signing an informed consent document is not equivalent to signing a contract. If you have any concerns about your participation in a trial, talk to the research team. They will be able to answer any questions and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to continue participating in the trial.
Who is Responsible for Participant Safety?
The sponsor, principal investigator, and clinical trial site staff are responsible for participant safety. They will ensure that the clinical staff is following regulations and good practices so that you are protected from adverse treatment or treatment that you were not prepared for after discussing the trial.
Join a Clinical Study Today
Participating in a clinical trial has its risks, but there are ways to ensure that you and your safety are prioritized. At Altus Research, we are constantly rotating the trials we have available so we encourage you to check back and consider volunteering if you are interested in joining a clinical study. You can also contact us online if you have any questions.
