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Advice: Prepare for the introductory conversation

Participating in a clinical study can lead to a lot of questions. Anyone who wishes to participate should know as much as possible regarding the clinical study, and also feel comfortable with asking questions to the researcher conducting the study.

The following contains three advices that might help you to prepare for the introductory conversation with the researchers:

• Write down all the questions and thoughts you might have regarding participating in a clinical study before the meeting – this makes it possible to remember the questions and clarify your thoughts about participation.
• Get a friend, family member or your partner to participate in the meeting as support, but also to have somebody else to listen to the answers to your questions – this makes it possible to discuss participation with another person after the meeting.
• You are allowed to record the conversation so that you can play it when you get home if you forget some of the information.

Possible questions to ask:

• What is being studied?
• Why do researchers believe the testing medication might be effective? 
• Has the medication been tested before? What were the results back then?
• Which interventions might I receive during this clinical study?
• How will it be determined which type of treatment I will receive?
• What about my current treatment? How is it compared to the new treatment (e.g. possible risks, side effects, benefits)?
• What will happen during the clinical study?
• How often will I have to visit the clinic or practice?
• How long will the study last?
• Will I get reimbursed?
• How long is the follow-up period? Will I have to visit the hospital or practice?
• Will I be able to see the study results?
• What happens if I am injured during the study?