The choice to participate in a Clinical Research study is a personal decision and should be made after careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits of the study. Initial discussions with volunteers are interactive, and in this blog, I’m sharing questions commonly asked by study volunteers:
Will it cost me anything to participate/will the study affect my insurance?
Volunteers are not charged for study participation and none of the study-related costs are billed to insurance. In addition to study-provided medication, most clinical studies offer a stipend that will cover study volunteer time and travel expenses.
Will the study medication have side effects?
All medications have side effects, whether they are FDA approved or not. Before study participation, my colleagues and I educate volunteers about the possible side effects of treatment.
Do I need to stop my other medications to participate?
It is sometimes, but not always, necessary to stop or change the study volunteer’s regular medication(s). The study doctor will determine if medication changes are needed and will explain any changes to the study participant. If the doctor makes a medication change, I always follow up with a phone call the next day to make sure the patient understands the change.
What if I start the study and then change my mind?
Study volunteers may withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason.
Of course, the questions above are just a few of the most common questions asked at the initial study appointment. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions – there is no such thing as a silly question, so don’t be shy! I even have a “cheat sheet” of questions that I’m happy to provide to potential study volunteers. If you’d like a copy of the cheat sheet, contact me at www.julie.carrico@corvallisclinic.com.
– Julie Carrico is Associate Coordinator of The Corvallis Clinic Clinical Research Center
