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Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most before, during and after a study.
1. Before you join
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Not usually. You can contact a study yourself. With your permission, the study team may ask for your medical records or speak to your doctor to confirm details that affect whether the study suits you.
What if I do not qualify for a study?
Nothing changes for you. Studies have narrow criteria, and a no from one of them is common. Other studies open later with different criteria, which is why the study texts exist.
Can I bring someone with me to the first conversation?
Yes, and many people do. A family member or friend can listen, take notes and ask the questions you might forget. The guide has a list worth bringing.
Can I take part in more than one study at once?
Usually not, because two study medicines could interact and make both sets of results hard to read. If you are already in a study, tell any other study team before you talk further.
2. While you take part
Can I keep seeing my own doctor?
Yes. A study adds to your usual care rather than replacing it. Let your doctor know you are taking part, and tell the study team about any medicine your doctor prescribes.
How long does a study last?
Anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on what is being measured. The consent document gives the expected length and the visit schedule before you agree.
Will I be paid for taking part?
Some studies pay for your time or reimburse travel, and some do not. It is set study by study, so ask the team and get the answer in writing.
Who do I tell about a side effect?
In an emergency, call 911. Otherwise tell your study team first. Our side-effect section lists every other way to report one.
3. After a study ends
Will I find out what the study found?
Ask at the start. Many studies share a plain-language summary of the results with participants, and results of registered trials are posted on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Can I keep taking the study medicine afterwards?
Not always. Some studies offer a follow-on study or continued access, and others stop at the final visit. The consent document says which applies, so it is worth checking before you begin.
4. Your information and our texts
Who sees my health information?
Your study records are labelled with a code rather than your name before they leave the study site. The consent document lists who else may look at them, such as the ethics board and regulators. Our privacy policy covers what this website collects.
Does signing up for study texts commit me to anything?
No. A text tells you a study has opened. Whether you contact the team is up to you, and you can stop the texts by replying STOP.