For participants
What is involved
The process from initial enquiry through to your final visit and reimbursement.
You register your interest
Online or by telephone. Registration takes a few minutes and carries no obligation.
The site contacts you
A short conversation about your general health and about the study, to establish whether attending a screening visit is likely to be worthwhile. You are welcome to ask any questions at this stage.
You receive the consent form
The Participant Information and Consent Form is sent to you before your screening visit. You may take as much time as you need to read it and may discuss it with family, friends or your own doctor. Consent is not taken over the telephone.
Screening visit
Medical history, physical examination, ECG, and blood and urine tests. The consent form is reviewed with a doctor or research nurse and signed before any study procedure is performed. Reimbursement for this visit is payable whether or not you go on to join the study.
The study
Requirements vary by study. Some involve three short daytime visits; others involve a full day at the clinic with observation and repeated blood samples, or an overnight sleep study. The full schedule is set out on the study page and in the consent form before you are asked to consent.
Final visit and reimbursement
A final safety assessment, followed by reimbursement on the published schedule. Participants who withdraw before completion are reimbursed for the visits attended.
Practical
Practical information
Long visit days
On dosing days you may be at the clinic for up to 14 hours. A reclining chair, meals, wifi and a day lounge are provided, and you may wish to bring reading material or a laptop. You are asked to remain on site for the whole observation period.
Blood samples
Most studies use a cannula, so repeated needle insertions are not required. The total volume collected is specified in the protocol and reviewed by the ethics committee.
Food and alcohol
Studies generally require fasting before certain visits and abstinence from alcohol for a defined period. Meals provided on long visit days are controlled by the protocol.
Time off work
Visits are scheduled around your availability where the protocol allows, although a dosing day cannot be divided across two days. Exact dates are confirmed before you are asked to consent.
Taking part in more than one study
A minimum interval between studies applies for participant safety. The site records this and will advise when you next become eligible.
Bringing a support person
You may bring someone with you to your screening visit. Access to the dosing and monitoring areas is restricted to participants and staff.