How to Participate
Joining a clinical trial starts with learning whether there’s a study that’s a good fit for you. At Clinical Enrollment, the process is simple and supportive every step of the way.
The Logistics
Take a survey
Complete your prescreen
Talk to the
on-site team
If Clinical Enrollment doesn’t have a trial that’s a fit, there are other resources available, including:
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- cancer.gov for trials related to cancer
- niaid.nih.gov for trials related to infectious diseases like COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS.
- searchclinicaltrials.org
- Local hospitals or medical centers
- Local patient advocacy groups that might know of trials specific to your condition.
Timing
The length of time a participant will be part of a clinical trial is different for every study! Some can last weeks, while others can last months or even years. Your trial team will review what’s involved so you can decide whether it’s a fit for you.
Cost
In almost all instances, there is no cost to participate in a clinical trial, and many times patients will also receive benefits such as compensation for time and travel. Your trial team will explain any costs or reimbursements available before you decide to join.
Plan to speak with your health insurance provider as well about any costs you may have to cover, and know that having health insurance is not a requirement to participate in a clinical study.
During the Trial
When you participate in a clinical trial, you are often connected to specialists who understand your situation and can help answer questions. Medical care may happen at a clinical site, at home, or through telemedicine.
You may receive the study treatment or a placebo, a look-alike with no medicine. Placebos help researchers see whether improvements in health are truly due to the treatment being tested.
Many trials are randomized, which means a computer randomly assigns participants to a trial treatment group. Some trials are also “blinded,” meaning participants—and sometimes even the study team—won’t know who’s receiving which treatment until the end. This process keeps results unbiased and reliable.
If you have a health condition that requires care, you’ll still receive your standard medical treatment while taking part in the study. Every clinical trial is reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure participant safety and ethical standards.
Questions for Your Team
Some information on this page has been adapted from the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation.