Deciding to participate in a clinical study is a big decision and should be considered carefully. Learn about what your participation means.  

Before the Study

Research the Study:

• Before you join a clinical study, it’s important to know what it’s about. Look at the study’s goals, the medicine being tested, and how it might help healthcare. Make sure you meet the requirements to join, which are there to keep you safe and make sure the results are reliable.

Informed Consent:

• You’ll get a form that explains what the study is for, what will happen, and any risks or benefits. Read this carefully! It’s important to understand everything. Feel free to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about, like risks, benefits, time commitments, or any rewards. Talk to your family and doctor before you decide to participate.

Pre-Study Evaluations:

• Before starting, you might need to answer some health questions and have some health checks. The research team will review your medical records and ask about your health history. Some studies also do tests to check your health before starting, which will help compare your progress later.

Logistics:

• Make sure you know the study schedule, including all your appointments and how long the study will last. If the study location is far away, plan your travel and where you’ll stay ahead of time.

During the Study

Follow the Rules:

• It’s important to follow the study’s guidelines exactly. This means taking any medicines as directed, going to all your appointments, and doing any tests needed. The research team will explain what you need to do.  

Stay in Touch:

• While in the study, keep in contact with the study team. If you feel unwell or have any worries, tell them right away so they can help you. If you have questions about the study, don’t hesitate to ask.

Regular Visits and Tests:

• Attend all your scheduled visits. The research team will check your health and safety during the study and may do extra tests to make sure everything is going well. ‍

Ethics and Privacy:

• Your participation should follow strict ethical rules. This means keeping your personal and medical information private and respecting your rights and well-being.  

After the Study

Post-Study Evaluation:

• At the end of the study, you might have final tests to see what happened during the study. Your feedback about your experience is really important for improving future research.

Results and Follow-Up:

• Some studies share individual results, while others provide only general findings. If you tried a new treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about any follow-up care you might need.

For Care Partners or Loved Ones:

Understanding how clinical studies work and being supportive can really help the person participating. Here are some ways you can assist:

• Logistics: If the study needs regular visits, help with transportation and plan for any time off work if needed.

• Understand the Protocol: Make sure you know the study rules. If there are special diet requirements, help prepare the right meals.

• Medication Schedules: Help keep track of medications by setting reminders or alarms.

• Appointment Attendance: Ensure all study appointments are attended.

Your support is very important for both your loved one and the success of a clinical study!