Participants enroll in clinical trials for a variety of personal and philanthropic reasons. A clinical trial can provide new and beneficial knowledge for diagnosing or treating medical conditions, as well as knowledge relating to prevention. Whether you are a healthy person or a medical patient, gaining necessary information before agreeing to any level of participation is crucial. In particular, if you are researching a particular diabetes clinical trial, there are 4 important questions you should ask.
What are the Kinds and Duration of the Tests and Treatments Involved?
Before giving consent to participate in a clinical trial, it is important to know what kinds of treatments will be required and how long they will last. Will there be experimental drugs involved? How will they be administered, how often and for how long? Will there be dietary changes? Will these treatments require travel or an extended hospital stay? Always ensure that any proposed treatments will not have any adverse effects on your existing diabetic regimen.
What are the Risks and Benefits Associated with this Particular Diabetes Clinical Trial?
While philanthropic reasons are admirable, trial participants should be concerned about the possible effects of trial protocols and treatments. Everyone desires to realize tangible and reproducible benefits from a clinical study, for themselves and for others as well. Participants are also, however, agreeing to certain risks with the experimental treatments. A clinical trial is a test to see what will happen when using certain drugs or treatments under certain conditions.
How Does Participation in this Study Affect My Health Insurance Coverage?
Federal laws require most health insurance plans to cover costs for routine patient care in clinical trials, but only under certain conditions. The trial must be an approved clinical trial and not involve out-of-network hospitals or physicians. If you choose to participate in an approved diabetes clinical trial, most health insurance companies cannot limit your benefits. Before giving consent to participate in any clinical trial, consult a representative of your particular health insurance provider.
What is My Cost or Compensation for This Study?
Sponsoring organizations generally cover the costs associated with clinical trials, including any experimental medications. In addition, most offer a stipend to participants for whatever time is involved, and can cover travel and hotel expenses as well, if necessary. Be sure to obtain a clear explanation of any and all costs you may incur before giving your consent. Assuming out-of-pocket costs for a clinical trial should only be done in extreme circumstances.
Clinical trials are a necessary and vital part of the process when performing research into new medical treatments. DM Clinical Research is proud to be involved in bringing new knowledge to the medical community. If you have questions about a diabetes clinical trial, or any of our clinical trials, call us at 281.517.0550.