Many people have considered participating in clinical trials but have felt unsure about it. Some have gone as far as to question exactly what they were getting themselves into. However, this is a clear-cut process, and you’ll be given all the necessary information outlining exactly what is expected of you. Another query people have is about the time clinical trials take, and whether or not you’re allowed to complete them from home. With decentralized clinical trials, many of these questions are answered in an instant, since this system allows for remote participation and monitoring, making it easier on both participants and medical practitioners. Let’s have a look at some of the key benefits of participating in these tests.
They Improve Lives
This is arguably the biggest benefit, since healthcare is all about saving and improving quality of life, and you can be a hero and play a huge part in all of this. Anyone who has ever suffered through a serious medical condition will tell you that efficient healthcare is what kept them going. With clinical trials, you can be at the forefront of making this a reality. Think about it this way: COVID-19 was one of the worst global pandemics, but without the individuals who were willing to trial the vaccine, we wouldn’t have been able to restart our lives. This also proved just how safe the vaccines are, and how effective they are in Africa, a continent plagued by inadequate healthcare.
They’re Safe
Clinical trials are completely safe and tested before human trials can even begin. No country in the world would allow any trial to proceed before the relevant safety measures had been put in place. This is paramount in order to ensure that a drug goes through the correct safety procedure before human trials. The benefit here is the knowledge that scientists won’t pass something that’s unsafe, which in turn gives patients who need the drug valuable peace of mind.
Educational Benefits
Participation in clinical trials is also great for educational purposes. Here, medical practitioners can learn more about how people with certain conditions will react to various drugs, which in turn provides valuable education for future use. This is essentially what clinical trials are all about: learning more about how a drug affects the human body, as well as how it can tackle an illness at various stages.
Access to Treatment
Say a new asthma medication is being trialed and you’re asthmatic: this is a wonderful opportunity for you to participate. For example, your body might react exactly as it should, and over time, the drug would be made available to the wider public, which could result in you helping to save thousands, if not millions, of lives.
You’ll Receive Expert Care
Throughout the process, you will receive expert care, and that goes a long way in terms of reassurance. You must check in regularly with your doctor to see how the trial is going. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it offers valuable insight into the drug, and secondly, it sheds some light on any medical conditions you might have.
You’re Taking an Active Role in Your Own Health
Many of us wait until we’re in excruciating pain before we seek out medical care. This can be to our detriment; however, there are a few factors that come into play. Firstly, access to healthcare. Many people do not have access to healthcare, and key stakeholders are hard at work trying to respond to the challenges. Secondly, the cost of healthcare. In some parts of the world, a treatment like insulin can quite literally cost you a fortune. And thirdly, your life might be so busy that you simply have no time to see your doctor. With clinical trials, you’ll get a free health check-up prior to taking part in the test.
Better Health Outcomes
With quality of life at the forefront of all our minds, it makes sense to want to provide participants with better health outcomes. For example, someone might have Type 2 diabetes, and a new drug will ensure a better quality of life. All that participants need to do is to change their lifestyle, and the drug will do its job. Simple, easy, and a wonderful way to improve your health.
There is No Obligation
There is a misconception that people are forced to take part in clinical trials, and this is simply not true. You are under no obligation to complete a study. However, research has shown that most people who start a trial go on to finish it, because they believe it will help others.
You Don’t Need Medical Insurance
There are no costs involved, and there’s no need to have medical insurance, making clinical trials something anyone can take part in, provided you meet the required criteria. Rest assured you’ll never be charged for participating in a clinical trial, and on the contrary, in some cases you might even be compensated for your time.