Participation guide
What signing up for a study generally involves
Every study is different. These steps describe the general path so you know what to expect and what to ask.
General steps
- 1
Learn the basics
Start with the phase explorer and glossary so listings make sense.
- 2
Write down your questions
Think about time, travel, and what you want to know about visits.
- 3
Review a study listing
Look for the objective, phase, location, and contact for the study team.
- 4
Talk with your own provider
Your own licensed healthcare provider can help you think through any study.
- 5
Contact the study team
The independent study team runs its own screening and consent process.
Questions to ask before you sign up
- What is this study trying to learn?
- Which phase is it, and what does that mean for my visits?
- How long does participation last, and how often are visits?
- Who do I contact with questions during the study?
- Can I leave the study at any time?
Key topics
- Study objectives
- Every study states what it is trying to learn. Reading the objective first helps you understand the rest of a listing.
- Participation basics
- Volunteering is always a choice. You can ask questions at any point and leave a study whenever you decide to.
- Screening
- Research teams check their own criteria before anyone joins. Screening is run by the study team, not by this website.
- Informed consent
- Consent is an ongoing conversation. The study team explains purpose, risks, and visits before you sign anything.
- Study visits
- Visits vary by phase. Some are short check ins, others take longer. Ask for the full schedule early.