Participating in Clinical Research
Interested in joining a clinical research trial?
By participating in clinical research you won’t just be receiving cutting edge therapies before they’re released to the public – you’ll be furthering research to help future patients suffering from the same disorders you have today.
If you qualify for one of our studies, study related care and medications will be provided at no cost and you will be compensated for your time and travel.
FAQs
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What is a clinical research study?
- A research study involving human volunteers is conducted to answer specific health questions.
- Carefully conducted clinical research studies are the safest and fastest way to find treatments that work in people and new ways to improve health.
- Research studies are conducted according to a plan called a protocol.
- A protocol describes what types of patients may enter the study; schedules of tests and procedures, drugs, dosages, and length of study, as well as outcomes that will be measured.
- Each person participating in the study must agree to follow the protocol.
Why are research studies conducted?
- To see if a new drug or device is safe and effective for people to use.
- To compare existing treatments to determine which is better.
- To study different ways to use standard (approved) treatments, so they will be more effective, easier to use, and/or decrease side effects.
- To learn how to best use the treatment in a different population, such as children, in whom the treatment was not previously tested.
How are participants protected?
- To protect the rights and welfare of clinical research participants, U.S. Federal Agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) & the National Institutes of Health (NIH) oversee much of the medical research in the U.S.
- Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) oversee the centers where clinical research studies are conducted.
- IRBs review and approve study protocols to ensure that a clinical trial is ethical and that volunteers’ rights are protected.
- A participant in a clinical trial has access to the IRB that is overseeing the research and access to a volunteer advocate, the physician and staff conducting the trial.
- Federal agencies inspect individuals and institutions conducting research. They also inspect IRBs.
- Some IRBs are accredited much like hospitals can be “accredited” and some research investigators and staff are “certified” as research professionals.
What are some of the possible benefits of my participation?
- Gain access to potentially new research treatments.
- Receive expert medical care for the condition being studied, since investigators are often specialists in the disease area being studied.
- Help others by contributing to medical research and treatment advances.
- Receive financial reimbursement for time and travel.
What are some of the possible risks of my participation?
- There may be unpleasant, serious, or even life-threatening side effects resulting from the treatment.
- The treatment may not be effective.
- Participation in the trial may be demanding and time consuming.
Testimonials
“It has been a great experience. Everyone is really nice and it feels like they really want you to get better. Everyone is professional and caring. I never had fears before enrolling, the only thing going through my mind was if it was going to work or not. You should definitely participate.“
Adam F.“Great staff and facility, I would be open to doing future participant studies. There was a fear of being given a placebo medication since it is always possible. However, I would tell someone who was on the fence about participating, do it to help progress research, even if you are slightly nervous.“
Stephen D.“Very good experience. Maegan was wonderful to work with, very patient and professional at all times. I didn’t have any fears prior to enrolling, just wanted help for my eczema flare ups. I would tell someone who was on the fence about participating to go ahead, it’s safe and they make sure to check your vitals each time to make sure you are okay.”
Yolanda P.“The experience was amazing, it never felt like a research study. I was treated with respect and courtesy throughout the entire study.”
Justin B.“They are caring and understanding people. They explain what they are doing where I can understand what they are doing every step of her treatment. It has been such a help in controlling my daughter’s eczema. I would do it again.”
C.P.“Everyone is very nice and understanding. It may get tiring but its worth it in the end.”
B.P.“Everyone has been so helpful and kind throughout the whole process. They are available for your needs and they genuinely care for your well being. We never had any fears starting the study, just anxiety over whether or not it would work and what else we could do if it didn’t work. If you have exhausted all available treatments and haven’t gotten full relief it is definitely worth trying out, you may be pleasantly surprised.”
Kristie F.“I had a great experience. Everyone was so nice and down to earth. The study drug also helped me a
“My experience was great and very professional. I didn’t have any fears before enrolling because the atmosphere and surroundings made me feel relaxed. The study for me was thorough, and it helps with my asthma. This year alone, I didn’t have to go in the hospital. Also my sleep pattern has changed; the Gossamer study helped me to rest and breathe better.“
Debra S.“Very positive and friendly staff. Each experience was always pleasant. You never know until you give it a try. That’s how I look at things and this study really helped me.”
Shatasha B.“I have met so many wonderful people through the years with Clinical Research Center of Alabama. If I never do another study, I will miss them. They treat you so well and everyone is so very friendly, compassionate and caring. When you’re having bad days, or not feeling well, they are in your corner to support you. Thank you Clinical Research of Alabama!”
Elaine H.