How to Earn Money Through Participation in Clinical Trials

The pharmaceutical and health care industry consistently develop new drugs and treatments for the purpose of advancing the field's goals. In doing so, several companies conduct what are known as clinical trials and medical experimental treatments to test the validity and effectiveness of the new treatment.

These paid medical tests, trials and experiments are conducted as either 1) Inpatient or 2) outpatient studies, the former of which requires the test subject to stay in the medical facility while the study takes place and in the latter case, the test subject may return home and only come in at specific times for treatment follow up. Some paid medical trials combine both and can last as long as several months.

Stipends and pay for participation in paid medical experiments vary on the length, funding and risk of the study. Pay can range from the $100's to $1000's of dollars and typically involve screening potential test subjects for most suitable candidate(s). In some cases many candidates will be used in a medical experiment to help statistically validate the results of the study. Depending on the type of paid medical experiment, two types of classifications are used. These classifications are 1) health and 2) non-healthy 'volunteers'.

The types of medical facilities that perform paid medical experiments, clinical trials and medical research test include pharmaceutical research companies, hospitals, universities and other medical companies or organizations. Testing centers can be found in a number of major U.S. cities and/or metropolitan areas. The scope and requirements of each study are determined by its sponsorship, contractor(s) and research doctors.

How to find clinical trials and medical studies to participate in

To participate in a medical experiments, clinical trials and medical research studies several steps can be performed to properly identify and determine potential qualification for that medical experiment. Whether it be testing of new surgical equipment, pharmaceuticals, or treatment applications, studies are often performed for money to ensure higher quality and consistent testing. The following steps illustrate what may be involved in a paid clinical trial.

Step 1: Identify and contact clinical trial contractors
Step 2: Assess qualifications, stipend and time requirements
Step 3: Perform medical screening, and fill out relevant paperwork
Step 4: Prepare for the clinical trial as instructed
Step 5: Show up for the clinical trial
Step 6: Follow the clinical trial's requirements throughout the study
Step 7: Receive payment

Since medical experiments may involve controlled interaction with one's body, liability becomes a concern for those carrying out and responsible for the results of the medical research study. In such cases are liability waiver may be required. Additional documentation and screening can require the medical experiment's participants to complete a pre-screening involving blood tests, urine analysis, physical examination, medical history and personal information reporting. The study contract may also contain privacy notices and details on premature and/or incomplete study scenarios.

A few organizations that perform and/or list clinical trials are listed below and a good place to start looking for active paid government medical experiments is www.clinicaltrials.gov. For, private medical research, a local search for clinical research organizations can be performed via internet search, contact and networking with local medical research facilities and hospital research divisions, and inquiries through doctors and medical professionals.

• Medical centers

• Medical research foundations

• Clinical research organizations

• Hospitals

• University medical schools

• Government research facilities and/or contractors

Sometimes clinical trials will arrange invite only screenings based on prescription use via a pharmacy. Doctor's may also be aware of clinical trials or information about them that may be helpful when learning how to participate in one.

Summary

Earning money through participation in medical experiments and paid medical research does involve a time commitment, especially in the case of inpatient studies. Additionally, a medical regimen affecting diet, sleep patterns, drug consumption and/or exercise and personal life activities may also be involved. The benefits of paid medical research studies include 1) Financial stipend 2) possible advancement of science and 3) free or low cost medical treatment. As with jobs, participants for medical research are pre-screened for suitability and capacity to perform the study and/or meet study criteria. The compensations for participation in paid medical experiments vary on the funding provided by the study's sponsor, the length of the study and potential risk involved if any. Medical experiments that pay can be located through a number of sources as indicated in this article.

Sources:

1. http://clinicaltrials.gov/
2. http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2003/02/03/focus6.html