5 more things students should know about clinical trials
Following on from our previous article, here are a few more things you might want to know before you sign up to take part in a clinical trial. Although the rates of pay can be great, there are risks attached. Making an informed choice is the best way to avoid problems.
They can require a time commitment
This is great financially, but it may not balance as well with your studies. Make sure that you know what you will be required to do whilst taking part. Will you be reporting in person or sending in your observations via a website?
Paid research studies are regulated
In addition to all the scientific research that happens before the company gets as far as a study, they also need to convince a number of regulatory bodies that the study is safe. These boards will keep an eye on the process and make sure that the risk is kept to a minimum.
There should be some aftercare
At the close of the study, you will probably be assessed again to see what changes have occurred during the process. The company may also offer you aftercare to follow up with you over a period of time. Even if you don’t think there have been any negative effects, it is worth signing up just in case. Companies that organise trials such as trials4us.co.uk can advise you when you sign up.
You can quit
If circumstances change, you are free to leave the trial at any time. Even though you’re being paid, you’re still a volunteer and you can choose to say no more whenever you like. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t sign up for studies unless you’re sure as that just wastes everyone’s time.
There’s more than one way to get involved
You may find that companies advertise opportunities at your university. If not, you can browse the web for one of the many companies that recruits students to take part in medical trials. However you choose to get involved, there are lots of opportunities. You can also sign up for opportunities through the NHS clinical trials gateway.
That’s trials in a nutshell. However you choose to sign up and whatever type of trial you are involved in, you can know that you are helping medical science whilst earning some extra cash. What a noble endeavour!
