About Participating

People participate in clinical research trials for a variety of reasons. In various phases of clinical research trials, volunteers can gain access to promising medication long before these compounds are on the market. In addition to gaining access to medication, volunteers also receive treatment from a licensed physician and maybe eligible for compensation to assist with travel expenses during the course of the study.

Clinical Research Associates of Tidewater's goal is to provide good quality research without compromising the safety and rights of their volunteers. Patient's rights and safety are protected in two important ways:

First - Any physician awarded a research grant by a pharmaceutical company must obtain approval to conduct the study from an Institutional Review Board. The review board is responsible for examining the study to ensure that the

volunteers rights are protected, and the study does not present any undue or unnecessary risk to the patient.

Second - Anyone volunteering to participate in a clinical trial in the United States is required to sign an "informed consent" form. The purpose of this form is to provide details about the study, the risks associated with the study medication, and what procedures the volunteer will undergo during the course of the study.

Volunteers considering participating in clinical research should discuss it with their primary care physicians or medical caregivers. Also, volunteers should not hesitate to ask the following questions when participating in a clinical research trial:

How long with the trial last?
What treatments will be used and how?
What is the main purpose of the trial?
Who will monitor patient safety?
What are the risks involved?
What are the possible benefits?
What are the alternative treatments?
Who is sponsoring this clinical trial?
Is there any cost to the volunteer?
What happens if you are injured in the trial?
Can I discontinue my participation at anytime?

To express your interest to volunteer, feel free to contact us at any of the following:

Volunteer Interest Form

24-hour Volunteer Hotline 757-627-6798

402 Medical Tower - 400 Gresham Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 23507