Would you participate in a Clinical Trial?

Have you ever considered participating in a clinical trial?  Do you know anyone that has participated in a clinical trial?

Clinical trials are how we learn more about possible new treatments and cures for all diseases.  Without research we wouldn't have the medical advances available today. 

Some people say "I don't want to be a guinea pig."  The difference is a research volunteer is being fully informed and giving their full consent to participate and a guinea pig is not given the option to decide whether or not to participate.

Which brings me to Informed Consent.  Informed consent means that as a patient, you are given information so you can understand what is involved in a trial, including its potential benefits and risks, and then decide freely to take part in it or not.  The informed consent process is an ongoing process. If you enter a trial, you will continue to receive any new information about your treatment that may affect you willingness to stay in the trial. Signing a consent form does not bind you to the study. You can still choose to leave the study at any time.

Did you know that only 3% of qualified patients actually enroll into clinical trials?  In turn, it takes more time and money spent on recruitment to find qualified patients in order to meet the number of patients set for a particular trial. 

Why should you care?  The more time and money spent will directly effect you if the drug goes to market.  Tired of those expensive medications?  Be informed and participate if you can and are willing.

If you meet the criteria for a particular trial and decide to volunteer, remember that all the testing, exams, medication is provided to you at no cost.  Some studies may require frequent or long visits, but there is usually some compensation for your time and travel.

Tell us about your experiences!