For Research Participants
Understand Your Rights as a Research Participant
If you are thinking about taking part in a research study, it is important to know your rights as a research participant.
- Your participation is VOLUNTARY. It is okay to say ‘NO’ and you may change your mind about your decision even after the research has begun.
- Your participation may start only AFTER you have given your informed consent. Informed consents involve a process where the study team explains to you all the information about the research that you need to know in order to make the decision to participate. You will be given the chance to ask questions up to your satisfaction and will be given ample time to consider about taking part in this study.You will then be asked to sign and date the informed consent document to express your willingness to participate and retain a copy of the informed consent document for your reference. The entire process should be free from inducement and coercion.
- Signing an informed consent does not guarantee that you can participate in the study and receive the study therapy immediately. The research team will need to determine first if you are eligible to take part in this study. In most clinical trials, you will be asked to have screening tests done and only those who can safely participate and who can help the research to achieve its goals will be included. For your safety, it is important that you provide the researcher with complete and correct information about your health and medical history.
- You have the right to know the purpose of the research, what will happen during the study, what you are being asked to do, and how long it will last.
- You have the right to know which part of the research is experimental and which part is your standard of care.
- You have the right to know about all of the possible risks, side effects and discomforts that you might experience if you decide to participate.
- You have the right to know about the other options available if you decide not to participate.
- You have the right to know how your personal information will be kept private.
- You have the right to withdraw from the study or to refuse to participate at any given time without penalty or loss of benefits.
If you have any questions about research participation, or if you simply want to give us feedback, please feel free to contact us at +65 6349 5747 or email [email protected].
Questions to Ask
The following questions may help you decide whether or not to take part in a research study.
- What is the main purpose of this study?
- Does the study involve a placebo or a treatment that is already in the market?
- How will the treatment be given to me?
- How long is the study going to last and what will I be asked to do as a participant?
- What has been learned about the study treatment and are there any study results published?
- Do I have to pay for any part of the study? Will my insurance cover these costs?
- Will there be reimbursement for travel costs?
- Will I be able to see my own doctor?
- If the treatment works for me, can I keep using it after the study?
- Can anyone find out whether I’m participating in the clinical trial?
- Will I receive any follow-up care after the study has ended?
- What will happen to my medical care if I stop participating in the study?
- Does the physician/ investigator have any financial or special interest in the clinical study?