Clinical Trial Participation Part 1: Eligibility
Safety and scientific integrity should be the top priorities when conducting clinical trials. To maintain the highest level of safety for participants while also seeking the most valuable information possible, researchers set specific eligibility criteria when evaluating potential participants.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Different trials have their own specific criteria, depending on the questions the research is designed to answer. While each trial has its own specific needs, there are trials all over the country for just about anyone, including men and women of various ages, different fitness and health levels, and participants both with and without kidney, liver, and other organ complications.
First steps in checking eligibility
While each organization has its own specific system for evaluating eligibility, here’s what the process could look like at a typical research clinic:
1) Website
Most research organizations will have a website listing current trials, and anyone can check to see what types of trial participants the organization is recruiting. Another site listing current trials is ClinicalTrials.gov. The trials can change frequently, so you may want to check the site often.
2) Phone interview
Through a phone interview, a recruiter will ask some general questions to find out which study might be the right fit for you. During this phase, the recruiter will provide general information about the possible trials you may be eligible for, as well as dates and other general details.
3) Physical screening
The next step usually involves participants providing their complete medical history and undergoing a health screening by a licensed medical physician. Before agreeing to participate in the study each participant will sign an informed consent form (ICF) to ensure he or she fully understands all expectations. Research clinics respect your privacy and no information will be given out about your participation and/or your medical information unless required by law.
Again, this may be a good time to ask as many questions as you have. The National Institute of Health provides a list of questions you should ask while considering participating in a clinical trial.
4) Study confirmation
After the screening visit, participants will be notified if they qualify for the study and will be given the dates and times of the study as well as other related information.
What’s it like to participate in a clinical trial?
For potential participants asking this question, don’t worry–research specialists can be in contact every step of the way to provide as much information as possible. To find out more about eligibility for a DaVita Clinical Research trial, speak to a DaVita Clinical Research recruiter.
Disclaimer: Phase 1 (in-patient) clinical trials are not intended to treat a disease or condition. Phase 3 (out-patient) clinical trials may help treat an existing disease or condition. The information presented in this blog may be referring to either a phase 1 clinical trial or to a phase 3 clinical trial or to both. If you contact us regarding a trial, be sure to speak with the recruiter about whether or not the trial is intended to treat a condition.