Questions to ask before volunteering for research

Weighing all of the options – both risks and benefits – helps lead to an informed decision about getting involved in clinical research.

Those who wish to participate shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions; the research team is there to assist. Remember, participating in a study is totally voluntary, and participants can stop at any time throughout the process.

Possible questions to ask when deciding to join a study or trial:

• What do the researchers hope to learn from the study?
• What do participants have to do? What kinds of medications, procedures or tests will they have?
• How will being in the study affect daily life?
• What are the risks?
• Are there any potential benefits?
• How will volunteer privacy and identifiable private information be protected?
• Will there be any travel or other study-associated costs (such as child care), and will researchers provide any money to cover those costs?
• Will there be any charge for medical procedures?
• Who can participants and potential participants contact with questions about participating?

See clinical research studies at Penn State College of Medicine.

See answers to more questions about clinical research.

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