If you are considering signing up from a clinical research study either to make some extra money or try a new treatment for a condition you are experiencing, it can be difficult to know where to start.
You have probably heard of clinical research studies, especially if you yourself are experiencing a life threatening disease like cancer for which there is no known cure yet. You may be asking yourself “how do I sign up for a clinical research study?”
Look for Options
The first step in signing up for a clinical trial is to look for options near you. One of your best resources for finding a suitable trial for you is to talk to you doctor or hospital. Most doctors have a good idea of what trials are being conducted and which ones may be a good option for you.
Another place to look for a clinical research study is online. There are many resources online that allow you to search for clinical trials that fit your situation or need.
Start by checking with clinicaltrials.gov for a database of clinical trials in the United States that are supported by the National Institutes of Health.
You can also use websites like Craigslist to check for local trials, however, use these sites with extreme caution as they are known for scams. Always do your due diligence before getting involved in something as risky as a clinical research study.
Check if You Are Eligible
Not every clinical trial will be right for you. Each one has its own set of criteria that must be met in order for a participant to be eligible.
The criterial for research studies can be age, sex, history, diseases, etc. Do your research and make sure that you meet the criteria for a specific trial before moving ahead with the process.
Contact the Organizers
Once you have found a research study that you would like to participate in and you verified that you meet the criteria, reach out to the organizers of the trial to begin the application process.
If the trial’s organizers determine that you meet the criteria, they will likely have you come in for a physical exam as the next step.
Understand the Study’s Process
Once you have been in contact with the trials’ organizing team and you have undergone their examinations to verify eligibility, it is important that you fully understand the study and the process and procedures it will follow.
It is wise to review the study with your doctor before consenting to make sure that the process involved will not jeopardize your health. Be sure to prepare questions for the clinical research team to ensure that all of your questions are asked before beginning the process.
Once you fully understand the entire process of the clinical research study and are willing to accept the potential risks and side effects involved, you can sign up for the study and begin the process.
While it may seem like a lengthy process to sign up for a clinical research study, the extra steps and precautions are necessary to protect you, your health and the research team.
If you are interested in participating in a research study, contact Miami Clinical Research at 305-433-6496.
