Who can volunteer?
Anyone above the age of 21 can volunteer. Both healthy volunteers and patients with specific medical conditions are essential to clinical research. Some research specifically looks at medical conditions in children, in those cases the parent or guardian makes the decision and gives consent on behalf of the child.
Why should I volunteer?
People volunteer to help advance medical science. Without the help of volunteers like you, clinical research cannot progress, and medical care cannot improve. You may not gain anything personally from participation, but you will be contributing to the advancement of medicine, that will potentially improve or save lives.
Are clinical trials safe?
Research seeks to find answers. Therefore an element of the unpredictable is inevitable. However, every effort is made to minimise potential risk. All risks that are reasonably foreseeable will be highlighted to you when the investigator or the designated staff explains the study to you.
In addition, before a clinical research study is approved, the potential risks and benefits are weighed. Any clinical research has to prove that its potential benefits are greater than its potential risks before you are invited to participate. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the regulatory board that ensures that the interests and safety of volunteers are protected.
For clinical trials on potential new treatments, research is done in laboratories and in animal models before being conducted in humans. This allows the researchers to learn as much as possible about the safety and effectiveness of the new treatment, and helps to avoid the testing of unpromising treatments in humans. Volunteers are closely monitored, and doctors are able to respond promptly to manage any adverse effects.
Clinical research is very diverse, and the extent of benefits and risks can vary. The table below illustrates a few examples of the types of possible risks and corresponding measures to minimise the risks.
| Examples of Clinical Research |
Possible Risks |
Measures to Minimise Risks |
Epidemiological studies
E.g. Analysis of questionnaires or medical records |
Loss of confidentiality or privacy of personal data |
Access to records is restricted to designated personnel. As much as possible, information is coded and de-identified in analyses to ensure confidentiality of individuals. |
| Blood tests |
Bruising where blood is drawn |
Only a reasonable amount of blood is allowed to be drawn. This is done by trained nurses or doctors. |
| Potential new treatment (drug / device / therapy protocol) |
Drug allergy; side effects or complications |
New drugs are administered at low doses and only increased slowly, so that unfavourable effects are minimised.
Volunteers are monitored closely so that any adverse effects can be addressed quickly. |
Can I come in to find out more without any obligation?
Yes, we would be happy to talk to you about volunteering for one of our studies. At any stage you have the right to refuse to participate with no impact on your medical care. Your participation in clinical research is entirely voluntary.
Can I change my mind after I give consent to participate?
Yes, you can change your mind. You have the right to withdraw at any time after you give your consent. You will not be treated any differently if you decide to withdraw. Your participation in clinical research is entirely voluntary.
What is informed consent?
Your permission is sought before you participate in a research study. You will be told about:
1. The aim of the study
2. The potential risks and benefits
3. What is required of you
This is known as Informed Consent. Without it, researchers cannot include you in the clinical research.
In cases where the participant is not capable of giving consent (for example for research involving children), permission is sought from the parent or guardian. Additional safeguards are in place to protect these participants.
Will I get paid?
Most clinical research studies compensate you for your time and travel expenses. In addition, they generally cover the required medical tests and treatment costs. But there are instances where no reimbursement is given.
How do I get involved?
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STEP 1:
Indicate your interest to volunteer
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STEP 2:
Pre-screen
(over the phone) |
STEP 3:
Screening and enrollment |
STEP 4:
Study participation |
STEP 5:
Completion of study |
Call: 6323 7532
Email: imu@singhealth.com.sg |
A research study is matched to your medical history
A screening appointment is scheduled |
Your medical history is reviewed
Detailed information about the study is given
Informed Consent is taken |
The study may involve the following:
- Questionnaire
- Blood tests
- New device
- New drug |
Length of research studies vary from one day to several years |
How do I volunteer?
You can call us on 6323 7532 or e-mail us at imu@singhealth.com.sg to find out more and register your interest.
Can I volunteer in multiple studies?
Generally, participation in multiple non-interventional research should not pose risks, but participating in multiple interventional studies at the same time is not encouraged and can be dangerous. It also makes all the information gathered from you invalid as the doctors cannot be sure that their intervention will have led to the observed change.
You should always discuss the possible implications of participating in multiple studies with the researchers of your current and potential study, before agreeing to participate. It is important to remember that your motivation to volunteer should be to help advance medical science, and not for personal benefit.
Who protects the interests of research volunteers?
Before any clinical research is conducted, the review and approval of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is required. The IRB is a regulatory ethics board, made up of professionals well-versed in medicine, science, law and other key areas.
An IRB checks that:
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the potential benefits of the research are likely to outweigh the potential risks
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the information provided to potential participants is clear and satisfactory
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the way in which people will be asked to participate is appropriate and there is no undue inducement to participate in the study
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the interests of the participants are protected (to safeguard confidentiality, privacy, and to reduce risks)
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In addition, for clinical trials involving drugs, a Clinical Trial Certificate (CTC) from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is required. This is part of the regulation in place to govern the safe conduct of clinical trials. For more information, you can read the Medicines Act, Medicines (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2000 and Singapore Good Clinical Practice Guidelines.
What should I consider before giving consent to join a clinical research study?
1. About the Study:
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What is the purpose of the study?
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Why do the researchers think the approach being tested may be effective? Has it been tested before?
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What are the medical credentials and experience of the researchers and other study personnel?
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2. Responsibilities of the participant:
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How long will the study last? How many visits are involved and will I need to stay in hospital?
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What tests and procedures are involved?
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What happens at the end of the study? Will there be follow up visits?
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3. Potential risks and benefits:
- What are the short and long-term risks and benefits?
- What happens if I withdraw?
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4. Cost:
- Do I have to pay for the tests and procedures?
- Will I be reimbursed for other expenses?
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5. If you are a patient volunteer:
- What other treatmens are available?
- Will I be able to see my own doctor?
- Will my medical care be impacted if I decide to withdraw?
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