Frequently Asked Questions
> Why should I get involved in a clinical trial?
Many adults choose to get involved in clinical research because they have a true interest in advancing their medical knowledge. Seniors often volunteer for humanitarian reasons, with hopes that their contribution will lead to new medical treatments that may one day improve the quality of life. Whatever your age or reason, assisting in clinical research truly is a unique opportunity – one that offers flexibility and high earning potential.
> What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
Many adults find that assisting in medical research is rewarding because:
Receive a comprehensive, study-specific physical examination at no cost. Study participants may receive a copy of their exam results by completing a consent form to release medical information.
Receive financial compensation for participating.
Assist in the development of new medical treatments and advance scientific knowledge.
Gain personal satisfaction, knowing that their involvement may improve the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic disease or illness.
> How will I be compensated?
Studies conducted at International Pharma Trials Phase I offer financial compensation based upon a competitive pay structure. Compensation varies from study to study, and is determined by the length of stay(s) and any additional requirements placed upon the volunteer.
> What kind of time commitment is involved?
All studies vary in structure and length of commitment. Some studies may involve a single in-house stay. Others may have multiple stays, follow-up visits or require additional activities (keeping a study diary, etc.)
Trial lengths may range from short term, requiring as little as a 1-night stay, to long term, with several weeks in-house. On occasion, outpatient trials, involving no overnight stays, are available. You determine your availability and get involved when your schedule allows.
> How often can I participate?
Generally speaking, upon completion of a trial (including any follow-up visits), you may be eligible to participate in another study in as little as 30 days. Some protocols require a 60 or 90-day period before participating again. This “wash-out” period allows the investigational medication(s) to be completely eliminated before introducing another research medication into the body.
> Who will see my records?
Under law, International Pharma Trials is required to keep all volunteer records confidential. Medical information obtained in clinical trials is handled with the strictest confidence, and to the extent permitted by applicable laws and/or regulations, it is not made publicly available. Only employees of the FDA, other government authorities, the sponsoring drug company, International Pharma Trials and members of the IRB may review the records and information collected during the study.
The FDA and IRB require that personal information, such as your name, contact information, and social security number, cannot be disclosed with your trial results. Instead, initials and/or assigned numbers will be used on all materials and data. Your anonymous information will be reviewed by staff members of the sponsoring drug company (who you have not been in contact with) to determine the investigational medication’s effects and patient safety. In addition, all results are reviewed by the FDA on a regular basis.
> Are there risks I should be aware of?
As with any activity in daily life, certain risks are involved with clinical research. The first and most important step in minimizing risk as a study participant is to provide a complete and accurate accounting of your past and present medical history during the screening process. Eligibility for trial participation can only be determined if all health conditions, medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal), and listing of completed clinical trials are reported to the research staff.
Although International Pharma Trials’ research staff will inform you of any risks or potential side effects, it’s extremely important that you ask questions and read the consent form. Make sure that you fully understand and feel comfortable with the nature of the study medication, the types of procedures to be performed, and what’s required of you as a volunteer.
> Who can participate in clinical trials at International Pharma Trials?
Each protocol is designed for a targeted group of individuals, whose eligibility for participation is based upon a detailed set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria are the health and lifestyle qualifications an individual must meet to participate. Alternately, exclusion criteria are the health conditions and lifestyle habits that an adult must not have in order to qualify.
These criteria are outlined and strictly adhered to for the safety of all participants and to ensure that the appropriate target population is utilized in the study.
Adults with a clean bill of health may be eligible for “healthy” trials, while individuals with existing medical conditions may be candidates for “patient” trials. Click here for more information on “healthy” and “patient” volunteers.
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