Not everyone can be doctors or researchers. Not everyone can create innovations that can revolutionize the world of medicine. However, you can still do your part in advancing science by participating in clinical trials. Most clinical trials compensate participants, so you won’t just be a part of a research team that can save thousands if not millions of lives; you’ll also be getting paid. Here is a brief rundown on what you might experience:
You Won’t Be in Any Danger
The safety of participants is of utmost importance in any clinical trial. In Miami, most experiments are geared toward the elderly and finding treatments or cures for their ailments. These make Miami trials particularly safe. Every test has various safeguards in place. Participants will be monitored continuously by a team of specialists looking for the earliest sign of adverse effects. If at any point in the trial you become uncomfortable or fearful, you can always ask to withdraw. Clinical trials are always voluntary, and there is nothing they can do if you opt out no matter the stage of the test.
Sometimes You Get a Sugar Pill
Clinical research participants are divided into groups, and there’s a 30 percent or so chance you get to be included in the control group. You’ll never know if you’re part of this group. Your doctors might not even know. You’ll be worrying about the medication you took and start developing strange side effects — only to be informed at the end that you just received a placebo.
Sometimes You Get the Real Deal
The goal of most clinical research trials is to check for efficacy and to spot adverse side-effects, so expect to encounter those side effects. Don’t worry; there are strict protocols in place to ensure your safety. However, some side effects can be unexpected. You might have heard about how Viagra was initially developed as a heart medication. Researchers found it odd that some of the participants were refusing to return the drug after the end of the trial, only to see the underlying reason.
Tests Can Scramble Your Calendar
Don’t make big plans as those tests and checkups will keep you busy. Clinical research requires constant monitoring and testing — both for data collection and to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. You might need more than just a few trips to the doctor, but most of these trips would be routine checkups or merely answering a few questions.
Your Efforts Will Be Rewarded
Your participation in a clinical trial will advance medical knowledge regardless of success or failure. Not everyone can be a part of some world-shaking discovery, but you can rest assured that you will be well compensated. You’ll receive the best healthcare and regular checkups during the trials aside from the promised monetary remunerations.
Participating in a clinical trial is a worthwhile endeavor. You will be helping advance medical science, and even if it’s only a little, your time and effort will be well compensated.
