How to Join a Clinical Trial
Your step-by-step guide to participating in clinical research. From finding the right trial to understanding your rights as a participant.
Your Journey to Joining a Trial
Search for Trials
Use our search tool to find trials for your condition
- Enter your diagnosis or condition
- Specify your location and travel distance
- Filter by trial phase and treatment type
- Review matching studies
Check Eligibility
Review inclusion and exclusion criteria
- Age and gender requirements
- Disease stage or severity
- Previous treatments received
- Overall health status
Contact Research Team
Reach out to the study coordinator
- Submit initial inquiry through our platform
- Schedule screening appointment
- Prepare questions about the trial
- Gather medical records
Screening Visit
Complete initial evaluation and testing
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Laboratory tests
- Confirm eligibility
Informed Consent
Understand and agree to trial participation
- Review trial purpose and procedures
- Understand risks and benefits
- Learn about your rights
- Sign consent documents
Begin Participation
Start the trial protocol
- Receive study treatment
- Attend scheduled visits
- Complete assessments
- Report any side effects
Your Rights as a Participant
Clinical trials are highly regulated to protect participants. You have important rights and protections throughout the process.
Voluntary Participation
You can leave a trial at any time for any reason without penalty
Full Information
You must receive complete details about the trial before agreeing to participate
Privacy Protection
Your medical information is protected by HIPAA and confidentiality agreements
No Cost Treatment
Study treatments and related medical care are provided at no charge
Medical Care
You'll receive close monitoring from specialized medical teams
24/7 Support
Access to study team for questions or concerns at any time
What to Expect During a Trial
Regular Monitoring
You'll have frequent check-ups with the research team to monitor your health, track progress, and ensure your safety throughout the trial.
Detailed Record-Keeping
You may be asked to keep diaries, complete questionnaires, or track symptoms to help researchers understand how the treatment affects you.
Follow-Up Care
Even after the treatment phase ends, you may have follow-up visits to monitor long-term effects and ensure your continued wellbeing.
Questions to Ask
- •What is the purpose of this study?
- •What treatments will I receive?
- •What are the possible risks and benefits?
- •How long will the trial last?
- •Will I need to stay in the hospital?
- •Who will be in charge of my care?
- •What happens when the trial ends?
- •Will I learn the results of the study?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive a placebo?
Not all trials use placebos. When they do, you'll be informed during consent. Many trials compare new treatments to standard care rather than placebos.
Can I continue seeing my regular doctor?
Yes! Clinical trials complement, not replace, your regular medical care. Your study team will coordinate with your physician.
What if I experience side effects?
The research team closely monitors all participants. Any side effects are documented and treated immediately. You can withdraw if needed.
Will I be compensated?
Many trials offer compensation for time and travel. This varies by study and will be discussed during the consent process.
How long do trials last?
Duration varies widely - from a few weeks to several years. The timeline will be clearly explained before you commit.
Can I join multiple trials?
Generally, you can only participate in one treatment trial at a time, but this depends on the specific studies.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join thousands of patients who are contributing to medical breakthroughs while accessing cutting-edge treatments.