Approximately half a million Americans signed up to participate in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Researchers are still in need of more than 1 million more people to volunteer.
Without the help from volunteers, new treatments are unable to progress and move forward. When you participate in clinical trials, you help medical staff understand new diseases and treatments for them. The participants will often receive compensation for their time too.
If you’d like to participate in a research study, we’re here to help. Our guide below has everything you need to begin. Keep reading to learn more.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’d like to participate in clinical trials, you first need to speak to your primary care physician. They will help guide in exploring possibilities. This is especially true if you have any chronic or medical conditions where a research study may benefit you.
If you’ve discovered a clinical trial on your own, bring it up on your next visit. They will help you debunk any myths you may have in your mind.
Search Lists on the Internet
If you know you’d like to participate in clinical trials but aren’t sure where to look, use a search tool online to narrow it down. Head to government agencies, non-profit organizations, and medical foundations to see what they offer.
Identify and Avoid Scams
You may be desperate to find a cure to your ailment or life-threatening illness. You want to proceed with caution, though. If something feels too good to be true, use your best judgment (it probably is).
Research the team, run a background check and see who their doctors are. Before you participate in clinical trials, you want to know exactly what you’re getting into.
It’s good practice to look up a doctor’s license on the medical board site. This will confirm whether or not they are licensed and in good standing and if they’ve been subject to any discipline.
Sign Up for a Matching Service
If you don’t have enough time to search for clinical trials yourself, we encourage you to sign up for a matching service. Most are free to use but will require you to register.
Once registered, you’ll input intel about your illness or condition. The service will then be able to search through trial descriptions and eligibility criteria. You’ll then receive a list of the clinical trials you’re potentially eligible for.
Participate in Clinical Trials
Now that you have a better understanding of clinical trials, it’s time to seek some out. When you participate in clinical trials, you help not only yourself but many people. By helping the greater good, you can feel good about your services and volunteering.