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Should You Join a Research Study? Tips for Volunteers in Clinical Trials

Posted by on October 14, 2010

Clinical research trials test new drugs or medical treatments to provide necessary information on their effectiveness and safety. Most clinical trials rely on the participation of volunteers. Before you sign up for any research study, you should consider some factors to help you decide if volunteering is the right choice for you.

Before signing up for a study, you should gather as much information as possible about the goals and procedures of the trial. You should understand and feel comfortable with all that will be required of you.

· Be Informed about the Risks
You should ask questions beforehand about any potential short- or long-term side effects or potential reactions. Be sure you are comfortable with any possible outcomes.

· Get A Second Opinion
Once you understand what is involved, check with your doctor or another medical professional to ensure you are a healthy candidate. Your doctor can clarify any information about interactions between medications that you regularly take or provide information that can help you make a safe decision.

· Check with Your Health Insurer
Because medical trials are expensive, often research sponsors submit claims to participants’ health insurers to cover costs. To avoiding being responsible for any charge that is not covered, check with your insurance provider that you will not incur any trial-related costs.

· Know Who will have Access to Your Medical Information
There are many laws protecting people’s confidential medical information. Before you sign any release form, verify who will have access to your medical and personal information. You should feel comfortable with the security and confidentiality of your medical and personal data.

Before volunteering for any clinical trial, you should carefully consider what is involved. By remaining informed and aware, you can approach the situation with the confidence that participation is beneficial to both medical science and yourself.

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