If you are interested in helping medical research, you may want to think about enlisting yourself in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are conducted through universities, hospitals and other medical facilities in an attempt to learn how people react to certain stimuli or medication in an attempt to cure an existing condition. Here are some of the pros and cons of joining a clinical trial to help you decide if this type of work is beneficial to your own circumstances.
Benefits In Joining
If you have a condition where you are unable to find a cure using traditional methods, joining a clinical trial for medical research study may help you find relief for your problem. You will be watched closely by doctors conducting the study, and you can let your own physician know of your desire to give it a try so they can continue monitoring your health, as well.
Many clinical trials will offer monetary compensation for your time and effort. Be aware, the more money you are offered, the more risk there is with the procedures you will be enduring, so weigh them before taking on the endeavor.
You will be doing a large part for medical improvements and advancement, overall. All types of medication need to be analyzed fully before they are allowed to be administered to the public. You may help medical research to find cures for things, helping many others as a result.
Risks In Joining
While the benefits in helping medical research can be very important, there are downsides to giving a hand. The main downside is the presence of side effects. You will be told in advance what types of side effects you can expect, but since these are trials, there may be additional symptoms that no one can predict. There is a chance for invasive procedures that would need to be administered, as well. You will need to adhere to a strict schedule, often having to go for treatment at regular intervals, which can take a toll on your schedule.
In clinical trials, there are often many people participating so that differences can be documented regarding dosages, frequency of dosages, or physical characteristics of the subjects. There is a chance that the medicine you receive would be a placebo. In this case, your ailment would not have a chance in being cured. This is a chance you would have to take when you sign up for the process.