Volunteering for UK medical trials
All medicines, whether bought over the counter, or prescribed by your doctor require extensive testing to determine their safety and effectiveness before they are released into the market. This is where drug trials come in. Volunteering for UK medical trials and medical research studies can be an excellent way to help to pay educational costs, supplement your income while working, or fund your travels.
How Does It Work?
If you’re interested, apply to become a member of the Volunteer Panel. This is a pool of participants who are offered the opportunity to participate in up to four trials a year. Once you’ve successfully completed the screening process, you’ll receive dates for forthcoming trials for which you’re eligible.
Don’t I have to Consent?
Yes you do. Once you’ve been accepted onto the trial, you’ll be required to attend a Consent Talk given by one of the trial Doctors. This is where you will learn about the drug and what exactly it’s being tested for. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions. Only when you’re satisfied should you sign the consent form. You’re not obliged to consent unless you want to participate.
What about My Personal Information
All date that is held on you will be treated with the upmost care. It will be available only to the authorised clinical personnel and occasionally to representatives of the regulatory authorities.
Are There Risks?
Yes, however, all clinical trials UK are carried out according to strict protocol and under the strict supervision of fully qualified medical staff. All trials Europe-wide have to run according to EU legislation and first be approved by the Research Ethics Committee. It’s a highly involved process.
You will be fully informed of the risks and potential side-effects during the Consent Talk. You will also be closely monitored by the clinical staff, allowing any unexpected side-effects to be dealt with quickly.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that every new drug released into the UK cost hundreds of millions of pounds, so botched trials are not in their interests, despite what you see in the movies.
How Will I be Paid?
“Healthy participants”, who won’t gain any medical benefits from the trial, are participating in a paid medical trial. The amount depends on the length of the trial and is determined by the Independent Research Ethics Committee. Payment is made by cheque at the end of the last day.
