Research Volunteers Make Discoveries Possible
Now, more than ever, we see the important role health research plays in advancing scientific discoveries. Our daily news updates and social media feeds regularly feature information about clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, bringing medical research to the forefront of our minds and daily conversations.
Clinical trials — also called medical trials — are research studies that test new ways to prevent, screen, diagnose, and treat diseases and other health conditions. They are the main way that researchers find out if a new treatment, like a new medication or vaccine, is safe and effective for people.
Medical research happens because people participate
Over the last year, thousands of volunteers took part in different COVID-19 clinical trials. The COVID-19 vaccine trials that received widespread media attention tested whether newly developed vaccines were effective at preventing COVID-19 infections, serious illness, and death. Thanks to volunteers’ participation, researchers determined that many of these experimental vaccines were, in fact, both safe and very effective, paving the way for emergency authorization use, approval, and availability across the US and world.
Research volunteers are true heroes that make research happen — without the participation of volunteers, science would not advance, and medical discoveries would not happen. Research participation enables the testing and approval of medications, treatments, and preventatives — everything from experimental COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, to everyday, common medications we find in our medicine cabinets like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Clinical trials have even informed many recommended preventative screening tests we may receive.
What to consider when volunteering for a clinical trial
There are many factors to consider before deciding to join a clinical trial. One consideration is the risks to taking part in the research. These will vary from study to study — some may have risks related to taking a new medication or undergoing a procedure. All these risks are thoroughly explained before someone joins a research study. If you do not understand or have unanswered questions — be sure to ask! You can find a list of questions to ask the research team here and a short video with advice on what to ask.
There are also many safeguards in place to ensure that clinical research is conducted in a safe, ethical, and transparent manner:
1. Institutional Review Boards (IRB) are responsible for the oversight and protection of the rights and wellbeing of people taking part in research. All clinical trials must receive approval from an IRB that reviews, monitors, and approves all aspects of the study.
2. Data Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMB) are groups of experts external to a clinical research study. They are responsible for monitoring the safety of the trial and analyzing data throughout the study. They make recommendations about stopping a study if a treatment proves harmful or of no benefit to participants.
3. Community Advisory Committees — some studies have advisory committees made up of research participants, patients, and community members. They may review the details of a research study and provide input and guidance on how a trial is conducted.
Lastly, taking part in any kind of research study is always voluntary. It is ALWAYS your choice whether or not to participate. Your decision will never affect the care you receive from your health care providers.
Help spread the word about the importance of health research
Participating in research doesn’t always involve taking part in a clinical trial or taking experimental treatments. Many other research studies involve behavioral interventions, survey-based research, or quality of life studies. There is value in all kinds of research, and many opportunities to take part in different types of studies. To learn more about research that may be of interest to you:
- Consider signing up for ResearchMatch to be “matched” with research studies recruiting volunteers
- Visit Trials Today and search for trials of interest to you
There are also many other ways to contribute to scientific discoveries beyond direct participation in a research study. You can help spread the word about the importance of health research and ways in which all of us can take part to ensure a healthier, better future for all. Consider sharing resources on clinical trial participation from trusted sources like the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging
Regardless of how you choose to take part, engagement in the research process is an important part in making scientific advancements that improve human health. And we have research participants and their contributions to thank for that!
ResearchMatch is supported by a collaboration between leading research institutions including Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help educate and empower people to take part in clinical trials and research studies. This includes understanding how their participation makes a difference and contributes to scientific discoveries.
Interested in joining ResearchMatch? Click here to sign-up as a volunteer and be “matched” with research studies that are of interest to you!
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