Should I participate in a research study?
Becoming a Research Volunteer: It's Your Decision

 

People participate in research for a variety of reasons. Common reasons to participate in a research study include: Many people volunteer for research because they want to contribute to research efforts that may help others in the future.

The lack of a generally accepted therapy or the partial effectiveness of available therapies.

Participating in a research study might offer a new alternative to "standard" treatment before it will be available to the general public.

Research has led to important discoveries that make our lives better. Some examples include:

• Improved medical procedures
• New drugs to treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases
• Vaccines
• Ultrasound, X-ray machines, and diagnostic tests
• Ways to stop smoking

This booklet will help you understand your rights as a research volunteer and help you decide if you should participate.

• Should I participate in a research study?
• What is a research study?
• Are there any benefits and/or risks to being in a research study?
• Who pays for clinical research?
• What are my rights if I take part in a study?
• What should I consider before participating in a research study?
• What is informed consent?
• How is the safety of the study participant protected?
• What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
• Mayo Clinic’s Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• PDF Version (4 MB)