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WHY DO WE NEED RESEARCH?
Research is the only way to get a new treatment to market. It is also the safest way to test medications in humans because the study physician and staff are monitoring you more closely than if you received the drug from a physician in the community. We do frequent testing of blood, EKGs, and often questionnaires about how you are feeling to better help you. By collecting all of the data from our site, and many others, the sponsor can see if the treatment makes a statistical difference and if the benefits outweigh the risks.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO PARTICIPATE?
Some studies only require 1 visit and some may go on for years. The commitment for each study will be explained over the phone before you come in for a visit. The number of visits and the frequency depends on the type of study and the treatment being administered. Generally long term studies only require visits every 6 months after the initial visits are completed. Compensation for the study depends on how many times you have to come to the office and what has to be done at the visits.
WHAT ARE BIOSAMPLES?​
Biosample studies collect specimens from specific populations so that researchers in a lab can use them in pre-clinical testing. They are the basis for early research before it even gets to animals or humans. Often we just need a tube of blood or a swab from healthy volunteers. Sometimes it involves urine specimens or even a biopsy for specific skin conditions. The volunteer comes to the clinic makes the donation and leaves with a gift card worth cash. The samples are not identified with any personal information.
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WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN A TRIAL?
Each study has different risks depending on the phase of the study and the type of trial. These risks are always explained prior to the study and provided to you when you consent to participate. Also, risks and benefits are reviewed by an independent group prior to the study to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. Your health is important to us! You are a volunteer and you have the option to withdraw from the study if you feel that you are not getting any benefit.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY?
The benefits can be different for each individual but our staff strive to help you better understand your condition. That knowledge makes you feel more in control. You also receive all labs, EKG, study medication and physician exams at no cost. Additional testing specific to your disease may better assess your condition as well. Some people feel better just knowing that they are helping future generations so that they may have better options than currently available.
What are the risks of participating in a trial?
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Each study has different risks depending on the phase of the study and the type of trial. These risks are always explained prior to the study and provided to you when you consent to participate. Also, risks and benefits are reviewed by an independent group prior to the study to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. Your health is important to us! You are a volunteer and you have the option to withdraw from the study if you feel that you are not getting any benefit.
WHAT IF I GET PLACEBO OR THE TREATMENT ISN'T WORKING?
Most studies are required to use placebo to prove the true effectiveness of the treatment being tested. You will learn during the consenting process what your odds are to receive placebo versus active medication. Placebo is the best way to compare the drug and get good data. Most likely you will not know for sure whether you are receiving placebo (that's called blinding). However because you will be monitored closely if the physician or you decide that the treatment is not working for you then you may be withdrawn from the study.
WHY DO PEOPLE PARTICIPATE?
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To help others with the same disease or condition
To feel that they are making a positive impact on their health
To receive treatments that are not currently available
To earn extra money
To get access to healthcare for their condition because of limited or no insurance
To help find a cure for a disease that may not have options now
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