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What to Expect as a Participant
Once you volunteer for a clinical trial and choose a location that works best for you, there are a few steps to follow. These steps will confirm that you meet the trial requirements and help you decide if joining is the right choice for you. Click here to learn more about the Clinical Trial Journey
Step 1
Pre-screen
The first step is an appointment with the research team. They’ll talk with you about the trial’s purpose, the potential risk and benefits, how long the trial will last and the procedures involved. This is also when the team will assess whether you meet the initial qualifications to participate. If you don’t meet the requirements, your journey may end here.
Step 2
Consent
If you’re eligible and ready to move forward, you’ll need to sign an informed consent form. This document confirms that you understand what the trial involves, including your rights – like the ability to leave the study at any time if you choose.
Step 3
Screening
Next, the research team will conduct a detailed screening. This may involve a review of your medical history and a physical exam to ensure you meet all the criteria needed for the trial.
Step 4
Participation
Once you’re officially enrolled, the research team will give you everything you need to know about your role in the study. This includes instructions on what to do at home, how often you’ll visit the trial sites, the types of procedures involved – such as physical exams, questionnaires, or specialized tests. Your health and safety will be carefully monitored throughout the study to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Step 5
Next Steps
At the end of the trial, the next steps will depend on your situation.
- If you’re participating to explore treatment options, the research team will coordinate with your healthcare provider to help determine the next steps in your care.
- Some studies offer continued access to the intervention you received.
- If you’re a healthy volunteer, your role will wrap up at the trial’s end.
Keep in mind that the trial could end earlier than expected, either for safety reasons or because researchers have achieved their goals.
What to Expect as a Parent or Care Partner
Deciding to enroll a child in a clinical trial can be a big decision, and it's natural to feel a bit nervous. While the process is similar to enrolling yourself, children may respond differently to treatments, and some studies are required to meet pediatric health standards.
Before any clinical trial involving children can begin, it must be reviewed by ethics committees and health authorities to ensure it is necessary and includes extra safeguards to protect your child.
If you're thinking about enrolling your child, the research team will walk you through every detail of the trial, including its purpose, the treatment being studied and any possible risks. It can also be helpful to talk with your child about the trial to make sure they understand the process and feel comfortable being involved in the decision.
If you and your child choose to participate, both of you will sign an informed consent form. After that your child will go through screenings and assessments to confirm they are eligible for the study.
During the trial, study doctors and nurses will closely monitor your child's health and will be available to answer any questions you or your child may have. When the trial is over, the research team will work with your family to ensure your child gets any follow-up care they might need.
Additional Considerations
Since every trial is different, details such as time commitment or related healthcare expenses can vary. The research team will cover those details with you during the pre-screening phase. For more information about participating in a clinical trial, please review the answers to common questions linked below.
Find Answers to Common Questions
If you still have questions, you can find more information on our FAQ page.