FAQs
The decision to participate in a clinical trial should involve talking to your doctor, your family and caregivers, the clinical trial team and sometimes your insurance company to see if it is an option for you.
Many states have laws or agreements requiring health insurance plans to cover at least the cost of routine care when participating in clinical trials. However, health insurance coverage of clinical trials may be different depending on the company, the plan, and the location of the clinical trial. You should check with your insurance company before you sign up for a clinical trial so that you will know what is or is not covered ahead of time.
Every clinical trial has guidelines and requirements about who can participate, depending on the goals of each trial.
Different trials perform studies on people from all backgrounds. Some clinical trials may be looking at how different tests work on people who have certain illnesses. Some may look only for people of a certain age, gender, race, ethnicity, or with a specific disease, stage of disease or treatment history. Others may be looking for people without serious health conditions.
If you qualify for a clinical trial, you will speak with the clinical trial team before you begin. The clinical trial protocol includes but is not limited to:
- Clinical trial process, including tests that may be conducted
- Known risks and benefits of experimental treatment
- Length of clinical trial
- Clinical trial contact information
- Contact information for the team who is doing the research
The Informed Consent process includes providing the above details, as well as explaining your rights as a research participant. If after receiving all this information you fully understand the study and wish to voluntarily participate in the clinical trial, you will be asked to sign an Informed Consent form.
You may choose to stop participating in a clinical trial at any time, even if you have signed the Informed Consent form. You should keep a copy of your Informed Consent form, whether you stay in the trial or choose to leave.
Some clinical trials offer financial compensation, while others do not. You should ask about payment or costs associated with clinical trials, so you are aware of everything in advance.
For information on clinical trials in your area or across the nation:
- Through your medical provider or local hospitals
- Antidote Clinical Trial Finder (https://www.antidote.me/)
- National Institute of Health Clinical Trials (www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you)
Speak to your doctor for his or her input. When you are ready to find out more information about the clinical trial, reach out to the clinical trial’s coordinator to see if you meet the requirements. Their information is public and should be included in any announcement about the trial.
If you meet the initial requirements, you will be scheduled for a pre-trial screening during which tests will be done to help researchers decide if you are a candidate for the trial. The pre-trial screening will also be an opportunity for you to learn more about the clinical trial, including its benefits and risks. Screening can include a combination of phone interviews, online questionnaires and in-person testing.