Trialsphere

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FAQs

Everything you need to know

Find answers to common questions about participating in our clinical studies, including eligibility, procedures, and benefits. Get informed and confident about your contribution to medical research.

At TrialSphere Clinical Research in Chandler, Arizona, our team walks you through each step so you always know what to expect.

  • Research studies that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medications in humans
  • Before human testing, these potential treatments undergo rigorous lab animal testing to verify safety
  • They are closely regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA approval is required for new treatments, ensuring they meet stringent quality and safety standards before public availability
  • In-depth Healthcare Attention: Benefit from closer health monitoring and personalized care from healthcare professionals throughout the study
  • Access to New Treatments: Gain early access to innovative treatments and contribute to the development of new medical therapies
  • Complimentary Health Assessments: Receive free health screenings, lab tests, imaging, and exams, providing valuable insights into your health
  • Contribute to Medical Advancements: Play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and treatments, helping to improve public health
  • Safety and Volunteer Well-being: Enjoy the assurance of a safety-focused environment, with the option to withdraw at any time for your comfort

Yes, however, specific requirements and eligibility criteria exist for participating in clinical studies. Here are some key things to keep in mind about who can participate:

  • Age: There are often age minimums and maximums, depending on the study
  • Health status: To be eligible for the treatment, participants must have the medical condition that the treatment intends to alleviate. There are usually criteria around the type and severity of symptoms. Certain other health conditions may also exclude someone from participating if it could impact results
  • Gender: Some studies are limited to a single gender, especially early-stage studies testing drugs that interact differently with men vs. women
  • Prior treatments/therapies: Another criterion often considered is whether someone has undergone previous treatments related to the condition

Ultimately, clinical studies set rigorous guidelines on age, health, gender and more. The specifics are narrowed down based on what they want to test and study for any potential new treatment. Getting enrolled can be selective.

Benefits include:

  • Active participation in health care
  • Difficult to access and often costly treatments
  • Free testing (i.e. imaging, bloodwork, exams)
  • Assisting others by participating in studies for potential approval and public availability

Participating in a clinical study may carry risks your doctor will disclose. Possible risks of experimental treatment include:

  • Side effects, both known and unknown
  • Study procedures
  • Treatment ineffectiveness
  • Treatment is not practical for all patients

Some clinical studies give patients a placebo instead of experimental treatment. Along with the risks above, the study may need time and attention from participants, including trips to the research location, more treatments, hospital stays, or complex dosage requirements.

Participating in a legitimate clinical study is free, and clinical studies do not require you to have health insurance in order to take part. While every effort is made to ensure that study-related costs are covered by the sponsor, unforeseen expenses may arise. For instance, if you experience side effects that require medical attention outside the study protocol, these costs may not be covered by the study. You are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with your health insurance provider and the research team before enrolling in the study
Individuals who participate in clinical studies may receive compensation for their involvement. Compensation is provided for the time and effort outlined in the informed consent form, and the amounts can vary based on study length, required procedures, and participant needs. The sponsor sets the compensation amounts.

Studies may also offer free medical checks, laboratory tests, and study medications.

The current compensation system is not intended to incentivize taking personal risks, and any pressure to participate for payment is against ethical standards. Before enrolling in a study, the research site will disclose the compensation available for time and travel. Compensation should never be the main reason for participation; the primary goal should be helping to advance medical research.

All potential volunteers should learn as much as possible about their disease and the clinical study they are considering. Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the research staff about the study, the care they can expect while participating, and the potential risks.

The following questions may be helpful to discuss with the research team before enrolling:

  • What is the purpose of the study?
  • Why do the researchers believe the experimental treatment will be effective?
  • Has the treatment been tested previously?
  • What types of tests and experimental therapies will be used?
  • How do the study’s potential risks, side effects, and benefits compare to my current treatment?
  • How will my illness and the effectiveness of the treatment be tracked during the study?
  • How will this study affect my daily life?
  • How long will the study last?
  • Who will pay for the experimental treatment and other study-related costs?
  • Will I be compensated for my time, travel, or any additional expenses?
  • Will I receive the study results, and if so, when?
  • Who will be responsible for my healthcare during the study?
  • Whom should I contact on the study team if I have questions or concerns during participation?
Your first visit is usually a screening appointment to confirm whether a study is a good fit for you. During this visit, our research team will review the study details with you, answer your questions, and discuss your medical history. You may complete simple assessments such as vital signs, questionnaires, or routine laboratory tests, depending on the study. If you meet the eligibility criteria and still want to move forward, you will be invited to participate and will review and sign an informed consent form before any study procedures begin.
Yes, you can leave a clinical study at any time and for any reason. Participation is voluntary, and your decision will not affect your regular medical care or your relationship with your healthcare providers. If you choose to withdraw, the research team may ask to complete a final visit for safety, but that choice will always be yours.

Yes, your personal information is kept confidential as required by law and ethical research standards. Study records are stored securely, and only authorized members of the research team, the study sponsor, and regulatory authorities may review study records for research oversight or safety monitoring. If study results are shared, they are presented in a way that does not identify you personally.

The length of a study and the number of visits vary. Some studies involve a single visit, while others may last several months or longer with scheduled follow-up appointments. Before you decide to participate, the research team will explain the expected time commitment, visit schedule, and any home-based activities so you can determine whether the study fits your life.
A placebo is an inactive substance that looks like the study treatment but does not contain active medication. Placebos are used in some studies to help researchers understand whether a treatment works better than no active treatment. Not all studies use placebos. If a placebo is part of a study you are considering, this will be clearly explained in the informed consent form.
Not always. Some studies allow participants to continue their regular medications, while others may require changes for safety or scientific reasons. The research team will review your current treatments with you and explain any required adjustments before you enroll.
  • Before you decide to participate, it helps to understand a few important basics about how clinical studies work. Most studies begin with a first visit or screening to confirm whether the study is a good fit for you and to review the details together. The research team will explain the visit schedule, expected time commitment, and any tests or procedures involved so you know what to expect.
  • Your participation is always voluntary. You can choose not to enroll, and if you do enroll, you can leave the study at any time and for any reason. That decision will not affect your regular medical care.
  • Your privacy is also a priority. Personal and medical information collected during a study is kept confidential and stored securely, and only authorized research professionals, the sponsor, and regulatory agencies may review records for safety and research purposes.
  • Some studies may include a placebo, which is an inactive substance that looks like the study treatment. If a placebo is part of a study, that will be clearly explained during the consent process so you can make an informed choice.
  • If you have questions at any point, the research team is here to help you feel informed and supported.

If you still have questions, we are here to help. Please contact our research team at (623) 267-8314 or ClinicalTrials@TrialSphereAZ.com.