One of the best things about the holiday season is that goodwill towards others takes it up a notch as people race to pay it forward. The desire to give back is a perfect segue into volunteering in a clinical research study. Here at Arizona Liver Health, our mission is to advance the care of those impacted by liver disease. Volunteering in research studies is the gift that keeps on giving. Here’s why.
What is a Clinical Research Study?
Research studies are the primary way to determine if a new drug, device, vaccine, or therapeutic approach is safe and effective in people. Each potential new option may provide a treatment path where none existed previously. They may also be the same as or more effective than other available options or they hope to offer a new way to detect or prevent a specific medical condition.
After extensive laboratory testing, they move on to be analyzed in clinical research studies. Volunteers of all ages, ethnicities, and genders are necessary for these studies to see how these work in the human body. Those with the condition the study aims to treat and those generally in good health are needed. The FDA regulates and monitors studies over every research phase and must have their approval before becoming available to the public.
How Can I Sign Up as a Volunteer?
Each study has specific criteria that determine the ideal candidate for which the trial was designed. While you may not be the right candidate for one study, others may be a better fit. Once you apply, the medical team will then contact you and gather all pertinent information.
Qualified candidates then move on to the informed consent process and so forth. Any that are not a good fit have the option of being alerted of future studies or looking into other options.
Advancing Medicine and Beyond
Advancing medicine is a way to give back that never runs out or expires. Qualified candidates may also gain access to new options not publicly available that may be as good as or better than what is available now. Our medical staff’s expert care ensures you are prioritizing your health while learning more about your condition. Oftentimes, reimbursements for time and travel may be available for those who qualify—making it a great way to earn some extra cash around the holidays.
Volunteering in clinical research studies isn’t the right decision for everyone. We would love to answer any questions you may have for those wanting to know more about our studies here at Arizona Liver Health. To view a listing of current studies, a brief overview of each is available on our website’s study page. Or, give us a call today at (480) 470-4000.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5339376/
https://www.antidote.me/blog/why-volunteer-for-research-studies
