Once you’ve been approved to participate in a clinical trial, the intake process begins. Every clinical research study is structured differently – some are inpatient, some are outpatient, and some are a combination of both – so your experience will vary from trial to trial. In general, here are some ideas of what to expect during check-in, and how to set yourself up for success from the very beginning of the research study.
Before you arrive at your clinical trial
After you complete the screening process, the primary investigator of the study will review your test results. If you’re selected to participate, you’ll receive a call with check-in instructions and detailed instructions about what to do prior to your arrival. For example, you may be asked to fast, or to avoid taking certain supplements or medications. You’ll also receive practical information, such as directions and parking for the center, and if you’ll be staying overnight, you’ll also be given a list of things to bring with you.
It’s important to closely follow any instructions you’re given because the results of the study can be distorted if you don’t. Likewise, it’s important to be where you are asked to be on the dates and times in your schedule, so that samples and data can be collected at the correct intervals. If you have any questions about your obligations or responsibilities, your principal investigator will be able to answer them for you prior to check-in.
Arriving on site at your clinical trial
On the day your trial is scheduled to begin, your intake coordinator will review the criteria with you once more to ensure nothing about your current medical condition has changed, and that you still meet the requirements. To accomplish this, you may be asked to provide another blood or urine sample, or given another physical exam. Your belongings may also be checked to ensure you didn’t bring any prohibited items that could influence the study. When your eligibility is reconfirmed, you’ll be given further instructions to move through the next steps of your particular trial.
Getting started in your clinical trial setting
Inpatient clinical research trials require overnight stays, in which case, you may be asked to arrive the day before the study begins to settle into the environment and get comfortable. You’ll be assigned a safe, comfortable room to sleep in, and the staff will show you around the facility to familiarize you with the amenities.
Many clinical trial settings are similar to hospitals, with shared sleeping quarters and common areas for meals, entertainment, and socializing, though this may vary depending on the type of study you’re participating in. You’ll often have access to the Internet and will be given plenty of entertainment options to keep you busy during your stay. Most of the time, though, you will not be allowed to have guests visit you on-site; this is to protect the confidentiality of other volunteers. When staying at a clinical research facility, participant safety and comfort are paramount.
If you are participating in an outpatient clinical research trial, you will be given clear instructions on the frequency of visits, the amount of time required for each, and other particulars that will help you understand what to expect moving forward.
Participate in a clinical trial at Synergy Research Centers
Synergy Research Centers is currently offering a number of clinical research studies in San Diego in both inpatient and outpatient settings. We’re dedicated to finding new and innovative treatments for chronic illnesses such as depression, dementia, schizophrenia, and OCD – and we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all participants in our clinical trials.
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in one of our studies, call us at (619) 303-6130 for more information.