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A: The RSVP for Health allows individuals
to register to receive information about clinical studies
in their areas of interest. The RSVP provides an opportunity
for healthy volunteers, and individuals who have been
diagnosed with a medical condition - to participate in
medical research studies (sometimes called protocols or
trials), or to remain informed about the types of studies
focusing on diseases offered at MGH and BWH.
A:
Volunteers who take part in clinical research studies
may:
-> Receive a thorough physical exam
-> Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses
or compensation for
taking part in a study
-> Further medical knowledge
-> Have the satisfaction of helping someone suffering
from a chronic, serious,
or life-threatening illness
-> Provide important scientific information for developing
new disease treatments
A:
Studies which need healthy volunteers compensate volunteers
for their time and, in some instances, for the inconvenience
of a procedure. The study's principal investigator determines
the amount of compensation.
To be compensated, volunteers must provide a Social Security
or tax identification number and picture identification.
Compensation of $600 or more is reported to the Internal
Revenue Service and the volunteer will receive a "Form
1099-Other Income” at the end of the year.
A: Some studies offer reimbursement
for a patient’s travel expenses (taxi) or parking
expenses. The study staff will inform you about the availability
of reimbursement at the time the study are explained to
you.
A: Hundred of studies are conducted
by BWH and MGH clinical researchers. Some studies need
volunteers in good health and others involve patients
with certain diseases. To advance medical science, volunteers
are needed from every ethnic and racial group, and in
all age groups. You can find information about studies
which are open to enrollment on the CRnet
home page.
Studies vary in length of time, location, age, gender,
special requirements, medical exclusions, and procedures.
You select the studies that interest you the most and
for which you think you would qualify.
A: The study investigator and staff
will explain any risks, requirements, restrictions, or
possible side effects before you agree to take part in
any study. It is wise and important that you ask them
any questions or voice any concerns before you make a
decision about taking part.
A: Before a study is approved for
volunteer participation, an institutional review board
made up of physicians, scientists, non-scientists and
lay people rigorously screen all studies for safety, ethics,
and need. These studies meet all government regulations
and the hospital’s policies for protection of participants.
A: If you are considering participating
in a clinical study, you can find information about studies
currently recruiting volunteers by visiting the CRnet
home page. If you enter your name into the Registry,
you will be contacted about studies in your areas of interest.
To determine your eligibility for a study, you may need
to complete medical questionnaire forms and the investigator
and study staff will ask you additional questions. It
is critical that you are honest and thorough in providing
information about your medical and psychiatric history
and about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you
take. Accurate information allows investigators to judge
whether the study poses any risk to you. You also must
let the investigator know of your participation in any
other research studies--past, present, or planned.
Before agreeing to participate in any study, the investigator
will give you a consent form that explains the study in
detail and in everyday, non-medical language. By signing
this form, you indicate that you understand the study
and volunteer to participate. As a volunteer, you are
free to withdraw from, interrupt, or refuse to take part
in a study at any time.
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RSVP
for Health > FAQ about clinical studies
at BWH & MGH
