Participating in a clinical study can be a rewarding experience, especially knowing that your contribution helps researchers in the development of new treatments that will improve the health of future generations. Whether you’re a healthy volunteer or you have a health condition and are hoping to gain access to not-yet-available treatments, science needs you now more than ever before. But where to begin? The steps for getting the process started aren’t always obvious, but we can help. Take a look below for how to apply for a clinical study.
How to apply for a clinical study
As of July 8, 2021, there are 382,845 registered clinical studies worldwide. Approximately 34% of them are recruiting in the United States alone, plus another 5% that are recruiting in the U.S. and at least one other country. One of the first things you can do to get started applying is to browse ClinicalTrials.gov for studies recruiting near you. There, you’ll be able to find studies based on your location, your condition, a specific drug name, a specific investigator’s name, and so on. It’s a great place to start. Once you’ve done some research, the following steps will get you on your way to applying for a clinical study:
Follow your heart
Whether you’re looking for a particular study or you just want to make a contribution somewhere, choose a study that has some meaning to you. That way, you can feel good about your participation whatever the outcome of the study (which you may not know for years anyway).
Review the guidelines
Once you’ve found a study or two that you’re interested in participating in, review the guidelines to ensure that you’re a qualified candidate. Study descriptions will usually include eligibility criteria, and it’s best to review these before you move on to the next steps.
Reach out to the organizers
You should be able to find contact information for the organizers on the study description. Their preferred method of contact should also be included. Reach out to let them know you’re potentially interested. This is an information-gathering step only. You don’t have to worry about being committed at this stage.
Complete the screening
Often, once you make contact, research organizers will ask you to answer a few questions or make a trip to the research site to provide your vitals in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for their study. There may be some criteria not covered in the initial description that they’ll need to screen for. This could include basic background or health information.
Gather and review the study information
Once you’ve completed the screening and you’ve been invited to participate, you’ll be given more detailed information about the study and the organizers, what’s expected of you, the length of the study, how many visits are required, what will take place during your visits, what kind of financial compensation you’ll receive (if any), and anything else you’ll need to know if you decide to move forward. Study this carefully and write down any questions you have.
Ask questions
You are allowed to ask as many questions as you like before you commit. But you’ll need to remember that not every question can be answered. In many cases involving medication and placebo, for example, even the researchers won’t know which individuals are in the experimental group and which are in the control group. It’s important to ask your questions, though. If the researchers can’t answer them, they’ll let you know. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable going into the study. If not, you are under no obligation to participate, even if you’ve gotten this far.
Talk to your doctor
Whether you have concerns about the study or you’re ready to jump right in, it’s still a good idea to have a conversation with your doctor before you commit to a clinical study. In some cases, the organizers will want your doctor to sign off before you sign up. If not, you’re not required to discuss your participation with your doctor, but it may help you feel more comfortable knowing they’re informed about what you’re up to. It can also help them to understand what kinds of additional treatment you may be receiving outside their office.
Clinical research studies in San Diego at Synergy Research Centers
If you’re interested in contributing to scientific research in San Diego, we’re currently enrolling for a number of research studies, including diabetes type 1, major depression, and PTSD. For information on any of our studies or to discuss your eligibility, give us a call at (888) 539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.