University of Washington Health Sciences Research Studies Seeking Volunteers

Questions about Participating in a Research Study

Please keep in mind that being in a clinical trial is different from being treated as a patient outside a clinical trial. If you choose to participate in a trial, you will become a research subject. Trials are done because researchers want to answer scientific questions and to advance medical knowledge. The answers may offer benefits to society and to future patients, but it is important to understand that you, as an individual research subject, may or may not benefit from participating in a trial.

The researcher will give you information about the study so that you can decide whether you want to participate. If you do not understand the answers to the questions listed below, be sure to ask the researcher for clarification.

• What is the purpose of the study?
  
  
• What is required of me?
  
  
• Will I receive treatment when participating in this study?
  
  
• Are there any direct benefits to me?
  
  
• Will the study benefit others?
  
  
• What are the possible risks? How likely are they to occur?
  
  
• What are the alternative treatments or procedures besides the ones being tested in this study? How do the alternatives compare with this study?
  
  
• How will my privacy be protected? Can anyone find out that I am participating in this study?
  
  
• What is the total amount of time involved?
  
  
• Where will the study be conducted? How do I get there?
  
  
• Who is sponsoring the study?
  
  
• Will I have to pay for any of the study treatments or procedures? If so, how much? Will my insurance pay?
  
  
• Will the researchers work with my doctor while I am in the study?
  
  
• What if I am harmed by the study?
  
  
• Will I be paid for participating in the study? What if I drop out of the study?
  
  
• Whom do I call if I have questions or problems?