Our Guide To Participating In Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are an important part of the healthcare system, as they allow companies to test new treatments before they released onto the market and make sure that they work exactly as they should on the majority of patients.

Participating in them can bring you many benefits: as well as helping to contribute towards the health of mankind, you’ll also enjoy an exhilarating new experience. You may even be paid for your contribution to the trial.

If you’re new to clinical trials and want to find out more about how you can help the healthcare market to advance, read on.

Consider If Clinical Trials Are Right For You

Clinical trials can be challenging for some individuals, so if you’re not confident then consider other ways to support the medical community. You could register to be an organ donor or give blood instead. The best way to know if participating in a clinic trial is right for you is to research them or to ask acquaintances who’ve taken part about their experience.

Find A Trusted Clinical Trial Provider

Once you’re certain that you want to take part, the next step is to find a clinical trial company near you that is trustworthy and dedicated to the safety of its participants. For instance, there’s Hammersmith Medicines Research which is a respected clinical research organisation with more than 20 years’ experience in providing early-phase trials, meaning that you know you can rely on them to keep you safe as you help to enrich the medical community’s knowledge. Before going ahead, make sure you have a thorough look through their website and get in touch with a member of staff if you have any queries you’d like to go over.

Check That You’re Eligible To Take Part

Before you apply to take part in a clinical trial, you need to check that you are eligible. All adverts for clinical trials will contain a list of the qualities that participants need to take part, so you need to make sure that you review this. Only apply for clinical trials that you’re definitely able to take part in so that you don’t waste your time.

Pack a Bag if you’re Staying Overnight

Some clinical trials might require you to stay at a hospital or research facilities overnight or longer, so make sure you pack everything you need. Avoid taking too much, but make sure that you have everything you require to be comfortable and feel relaxed during your stay.

Keep A Record Of Your Progress

The team taking care of you will be tracking your progress, but you should also keep a personal diary of how you feel mentally and physically. You can use this as a reference later, and it could contain valuable insight that your doctors and caregivers didn’t previously notice.

Notify Your Doctor Of Any Major Health Changes

Even after your clinical trial is over, you need to make sure that you monitor your health and visit your GP if you notice any major changes or unusual symptoms. This will ensure that you keep yourself safe and give your clinical trial provider the chance to learn about the long-term effects of their medicine or technique.