Q & A: Clinical Trial Participation

People often wonder why they should consider participating in a clinical research study. Participation is not for everyone. It’s a very personal decision and a decision that you make only when all of your questions have been answered. While we can’t make the decision on whether or not participation is right for you, we can certainly help when it comes to answering some common questions associated with clinical trials.

First off, just what exactly is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials are research studies designed to provide valuable information for new or existing treatments to determine if they are safe and effective. Because of laws and regulations, all clinical trials must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to make sure that all participants are treated ethically and fully informed about the study prior to participating.

Who can participate in clinical trials?

Each trial has specific criteria related to what type of participants are needed for the study. Some studies might be looking for healthy volunteers, while other studies are seeking participants with a certain type of medical condition or disease.

What if I change my mind about participating?

Participating in a research study is always voluntary and you can stop participating at ANY time throughout the process. As a participant, you are protected by laws that prevent any undue influence to continue participation.

Why do we even need clinical trials?

Clinical trials are the gateway to the future when it comes to new medications and treatment options. Without clinical trials, we would not have new medications! As a clinical trial volunteer, you not only have the opportunity to receive any potential benefits firsthand, but also make a difference for future generations.

If you’re ready to make the first step when it comes to clinical trial participation, studies are enrolling now at NERA. Qualified participants have access to potential new medications, and receive care from board-certified physicians and other medical staff. Those that qualify may also be compensated for time and travel expenses. CLICK HERE to learn more about these exciting research opportunities.