Volunteering for a Clinical Trial: Have You? Would You?

I was a particpant in a inhaled insulin trial by Squibb for diabetics Luckily I was in the control group and did not use the inhaled insulin since some that did had lung problems but I have to say I was given far better care and monitoring than I had ever been given by my primary physician and as a result of the intensive monitoring I dropped 2.5 pts with my A1C level while being paid to do so added to this all my regular medications were provided or paid for in full during the trial.

Phil Carpentier of GA 12:41PM September 25, 2009

I founded a new company, Clinical Ambassador LLC, with a focus on creative, cost-effective patient recruitment tactics. We design proactive marketing strategies that enroll the best (read "most informed and engaged") people to ensure completion. We partner with a principal investigator with a new contract to perform a clinical trial. We also work with agents of any of the small and mid size biotech/pharmaceutical, medical device companies and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) who need clinical trial results on time and within budget. For each of them, getting patients properly engaged is one of their biggest challenges.

I know this because I have been a volunteer on several trials myself. I dropped out of one of them because the fasting required gave me a monster headache and they wouldn't let me take Excedrin. But I digress. Truth is, I would not feel comfortable recruiting others full-time had I not walked a mile in their hospital slippers. Granted, each trial and related risks are unique. But just recalling what was swimming around in my head at the time, remembering the conversations I had with staff and those I overheard among fellow volunteers, has helped to keep things in perspective when seeking to enhance the experience from the patient perspective. The company relies heavily on the opinions and concerns of those in the community.

Sponsors often make the mistake of assuming that clinical trial sites can successfully complete patient enrollment on their own. NOT! I saw firsthand the fact that sites are consumed with a multitude of tasks and are rarely recruitment specialists. I saw the gaps in communication, from marketing to informed consent. For my clients, partnering with Clinical Ambassador LLC as early as possible offers a stronger bridge and hopefully, better outcomes for all. We provide additional transparency by "translating" trial-speak for those who may otherwise dismiss or misconstrue the opportunity. We also happen to specialize in difficult-to-reach patient populations, providing the unique perspective of cultural competence with the goal of eliminating health disparities. Visit www.clinicalambassador.com for more information.

Allison Winfield of FL 2:06PM July 13, 2009

I want to volunteer for clinic, but i do not know how to apply. I am volunteeing for Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation. I am trying to apply to volunteer for Fountain Valley hosphital or UCI medicine center. However, my difficult is that I am an international student. Could you help me, and I am very grateful to you?

Tran of CA 12:22AM July 13, 2009