For those in the know, clinical trials are a great way to get a few bucks. For others, they’re risky undertakings that can potentially damage their health. However, modern clinical trials are guaranteed to be safe, and joining one can bring about a lot of benefits.
Choose Which Trial to Participate In
First of all, you have a lot of freedom in choosing from different clinical trials. Some trials require you to stay confined (inpatient), and other tests only require specific amounts of checkups and visits (outpatient). If you’re participating in trying out a new drug or procedure, you can verify the trial’s phase of development. Phase 1 typically tests for the safety of the medication or procedure, and almost half of you will be given a placebo. Phase 2 checks for actual results or the effectiveness of the drug or procedure compared to that of placebos. Phase 3 is usually about confirming the results of Phase 2 as well as fine-tuning the dosage of the medication or the extent of the procedure. Different states might focus on specific conditions, medicine, or treatments, such as conditions affecting seniors in Miami or skin cancer treatment in Utah.
Payments and Other Benefits
Depending on the type and length of your clinical trial, expect to receive $50-$300 per visit or a little more per day if you join an inpatient trial. These trials can take a bit of your time, so make sure to clear your schedule, so you don’t miss a visit or exam. Aside from contributing to the advancement of medicine, you’ll also receive free periodic checkups. Some trials require extensive exams that can cost you hundreds of dollars if you paid for them yourself. Every clinical trial — even unfavorable ones — pushes medicine closer to finding or perfecting a cure to a disease or condition. You can be part of the group that discovers a cure for a specific ailment, whether it’s just allergies or severe conditions like cancer.
Your Safety Is Guaranteed
Before joining a trial, you can ask any question and review the trial’s goals, research protocols, and procedures. Even if the trial has already started, you can still opt-out if you feel like something is off or for whatever reason it might be without losing your previous compensation. Clinical trials go through a lot of screenings from multiple agencies — even before actual testing — to ensure the safety of the participants as well as the validity of the protocols and results. The most significant risk you can encounter in a clinical trial is an allergic reaction to a substance you didn’t know you were allergic to. These trials are designed to minimize risk as well as negative side effects, so you’ll be in good hands throughout your participation.
Overall, joining a clinical trial is a valuable contribution to medical science, and it pays well. Choose the right test you want to join, free up your schedule, and rest assured that there is nothing to fear.
