Have you ever heard about research projects and clinical trials and thought: “That sounds exciting, but isn’t it risky?” or “How does it actually work?”.
There are many myths and misconceptions about clinical research, but don’t worry – we’ve gathered all the most important ones and made it easy for you to understand!
In this article, we’ll tackle the most common myths about participating in research projects and give you the facts you need in a myth vs. fact overview. So, if you want to know if you can get a placebo without knowing it, if trials are safe, or how to find out if a trial is for you – then read on! We’ve got the answers.
MYTH: “If I want to take part in a clinical research project, I won’t be told anything about it or the treatment.”
FACT: Researchers are not allowed to give you any treatment at all during your participation in a clinical research project until you understand what will happen. Before you agree to participate, the team behind the project will explain the entire process to you. You can ask questions about everything, such as what treatment you will receive, what will happen at the visits, what the risks and benefits are, and how long the project will last. This is called “informed consent,” and you will be given all the information in a document that you can take the time to read before you decide.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable before you say yes! – and you can withdraw your consent at any time if you change your mind about participating.
MYTH: “I can take part in any clinical research project.”
FACT: Every clinical research project has some requirements for who can take part. For example, researchers may only look for people of a certain age, gender, or disease. These requirements are there to ensure that the trial produces the most accurate results and is as safe as possible. You can read about the requirements in the document you receive before you agree to take part.
MYTH: “Clinical research projects are dangerous. I am not protected if I participate.”
FACT: Although there may be risks, there are very specific rules for a clinical research project. Experts from health authorities and the National Research Ethics Committee evaluate research projects to ensure that they are ethically sound and protect study participants. The plan for each project is reviewed to ensure that it is as safe as possible. They can even stop the research project if they consider it too dangerous.
Doctors also monitor your health throughout the research project, and you can stop at any time if you no longer want to participate. All potential risks will be explained to you before you agree to participate.
MYTH: “A clinical trial won’t benefit me.”
FACT: If you have a chronic condition, treatment in a clinical trial can actually make you feel better or get better. Many clinical trials test new treatments that are not yet available to the public. Some of these treatments may help you more than those that are already available, but it is also possible that the treatment will not work.
Sometimes you may be given a placebo—a treatment that has no medical effect—but you will always be told if this is possible before you agree to participate.
MYTH: “I could get a placebo without knowing it and not get the medicine I need.”
FACT: If there is a chance that you could get a placebo, you will be told about it before you participate. A placebo looks like a treatment but does not contain any medicine. Placebos are used to make sure that any changes in participants’ health are really due to the treatment in the trial.
If you need medical treatment, a placebo will never be your only treatment – it will be in addition to standard care. And if you don’t want to risk getting a placebo, you don’t have to participate in that trial.
MYTH: “It costs a lot to participate in a trial and my insurance doesn’t cover it.”
FACT: It usually doesn’t cost anything to participate in a clinical research project. Often, your expenses such as parking and transportation will be reimbursed.
Before you agree to participate, it is a good idea to talk to the staff in the research department running the project about any expenses that you might have to cover yourself.
Now you know a little more about how a research project is conducted and what safety measures are in place.
If you ever consider participating in a research project, you can be sure that you will get all the information you need so that you can make the right decision.
And remember – it is always okay to ask questions and take the time to decide what is best for you!
Sign up to the British Research Panel so that we can keep you up to date with future trials that could be of interest to you: Sign Up Form – British Research Panel
You can always write to us at info@britishresearchpanel.co.uk if you have any questions.