How to Enroll in a Clinical Trial or Research Study

Both healthy and ill patients are recruited for research studies in the United States and around the globe. Possible incentives may include:
- Receiving free medical care
- Monetary payment
- Helping researchers get closer to finding a cure for a specific disease

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with an internet connection
• Telephone access

1. Visit the U.S. National Institutes of Health website ClinicalTrials.gov (link offered below).

2. Click on "Search for Clinical Trials" and choose a search option by map, topic or do an advanced search including multiple locations and keywords. For example, you can do a search for all open studies on cancer in the states of Alabama and Louisiana requiring seniors aged 66 years and older. Another search option can simply be a keyword, such as "massage" or "meditation."

3. Click on one of the search results and look for the phrase "this study is currently recruiting participants" at the top of the page. Browse through the description of the purpose, interventions and the eligibility criteria. Use the contact details towards the bottom of the page to email or call the research team and get more information on the study. Sometimes the website doesn't update quickly enough so they may no longer be recruiting, or you may be too early and they will call you back in a few months when they are ready to start the trial enrollments.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are well informed and aware of all possible drugs, methods and interventions proposed for the clinical trial before you enroll.
• Notify at least one family member that you will be enrolling in the trial in case you experience an adverse reaction at home.
• Know your rights as a volunteer patient and seek counsel if you choose to drop out of the program.
• Speak with your doctor before going on a trial, especially if it will involve medications or interventions.

Resources

• ClinicalTrials.gov

[Ladybugblue]

on 2/9/2009 This is an interesting idea! 5* & recommended!

[2besure]

on 2/8/2009 Funny, I just got a card for a clinical trial. I don't want to end up with two heads.