Clinical trial participants play a valuable role in the world of medicine. If you’re looking for some advice to make the process of participating in your first trial easier, consider tips from those who have gone through it already. Below, we’ll cover some essential points as outlined by our existing volunteers.

Do your research

It’s important to do research to ensure that you know what you are signing up for. Conduct research on the facility that will handle the clinical trial and make sure that you understand the purpose of the study. You’ll get details about the treatments that will be used as part of the clinical trial’s information package. Use this to educate yourself on the treatment and to understand the potential risks.

By doing research, you’ll be able to find out about clinical trials. You can also determine if you are a suitable candidate. FluCamp offers lots of resources on the different types of clinical trials and gives you an overview of what you can expect.

Ask lots of questions

When participating in a clinical trial, you must be properly informed. This is why you should ask a lot of questions when you meet the researchers conducting the trial. You need to make sure that the clinical trial is safe. Ask questions about important things you need to know before the study begins.

There are no silly or wrong questions to ask. The more questions you ask, the more knowledge you’ll gain. This can make it easier for you to decide whether or not you want to participate in the trial.

You’ll be given information by the clinical staff at the facility as this helps to ensure informed consent. Use this as an opportunity to address any questions you have.

Take your time and talk things through

There’s no need to rush through the process of making your final decision. Take your time and be patient. It’s an important decision and something that could affect your health.

It’s crucial to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Share any existing medical conditions you have with them. They can help you better understand if you have any specific risks to keep in mind before you decide if you want to participate.

You should also talk to your family. They can offer their opinions on the clinical trial. Share details with them, such as information about a day in the life of a clinical trial volunteer.

Talk to the staff members at the facility where the clinical trial will be conducted. You can ask them about the facility, how things work, and even request to see where you’ll be staying if it’s a residential programme.

Don’t be put off by the paperwork

Many people who want to participate in a clinical trial feel overwhelmed when they receive the paperwork for the study. These papers contain a lot of details, and if you’re not a medical expert, going through them can seem daunting.

Take your time when reading through the documents. The paperwork gives you an overview of what the study is about, the goals that the researchers have, and details about the interventions that will be used.

If there’s anything that doesn’t make sense to you, contact the staff at the clinical trial facility. They’ll be able to clear up anything you’re unsure of.

Have a plan

When it comes to tips for clinical trial participants, having a plan is another important one. When you plan ahead, you’ll feel more at ease when the trial actually starts.

For example, make sure that you’ll have transport. If you’re not going to opt for a residential programme, consider where you’ll stay during the study period.

If you have children, there should be someone to help take care of them. Get a neighbour to look after any pets if no one will be at home while you participate in the clinical trial.

Prioritise your comfort

Comfort is key to making the process feel more pleasant. Pack comfortable clothing if it’s an in-patient clinical trial. Consider taking your phone, headphones, and a book you can read.

FluCamp focuses on the clinical trial patient and their comfort. By providing access to several amenities and services, patients feel at home when they participate in a residential programme.

One patient who attended a FluCamp clinical trial had this to say:

“The staff were knowledgeable, friendly and did everything they could to make your stay as comfortable as possible. I cannot praise the staff enough, from those at the initial consultation, the telephone operators, nurses and doctors at screening and during quarantine, the clinic staff and PI’s.”

Build your support network

When you participate in a FluCamp clinical trial, you’ll often have no or limited opportunities to experience face-to-face contact with your family and friends. This is why you need to build up a support network for yourself.

Install an instant messaging app on your phone. Add all your friends and family members so that you can keep in touch with them when you’re at the residential facility.

This can help ensure that you receive the support you need to get through the clinical trial.

Don’t be nervous

Some patients report worrying about the actual clinical trial process, but there’s no need to be nervous. Facilities such as FluCamp provide access to a wide range of support systems. The research team will be available at all times and they will monitor the progress of the study. You can easily get assistance or answers to questions you have. Ultimately, you will play a role in helping researchers, scientists and medical professionals develop interventions to treat diseases.

For more tips and advice, be sure to watch Esmee’s Q&A video, where she offers an in-depth look into her FluCamp journey and what to expect.

What next?

Now that you have a better idea of how you can prepare yourself for a clinical trial, you may be interested in becoming a participant. By having a plan, keeping a diary and taking the time to make an informed decision, your journey can feel comfortable. FluCamp offers a range of trials. To find out if you’re eligible for any of these studies, get in touch with the FluCamp support team.