Clinical Trial Perspective in a Post-COVID Era
The need for participants in clinical trials has always been high but most of us have never experienced the urgency quite like we did during COVID-19. Throughout the past year, we’ve been quarantined, masked up, and armed with sanitizer, patiently waiting for the development of a vaccine that can get life somewhat back to normal.
Enter 2021 and here we are not only with one life-saving vaccine, but three. As we reflect on how our lives have changed during COVID, many Americans (and those around the world) are beginning to see just how valuable clinical trials are and the importance they have in our lives. Read on to find out more.
Why Trials Are Important:
Think about this – All medications that you’ve taken, whether over the counter or prescription, have had to go through the clinical trial process. A process which in many cases, can take years to complete. Without participants in clinical trials, many of the modern medicines, procedures, and medical devices we take for granted today would not be available to us.
To put it into even greater perspective, we turn to COVID-19. Check out the graph below from the CDC showing the drastic decline in cases since the vaccine has become publicly available in March (thanks to clinical trials!).
Public Willingness to Participate in Trials
According to a survey conducted by CISCRP, over 85% of those surveyed in 2019 say they are willing to participate in a clinical trial. Moving forward a year later, public opinion hasn’t changed much, and many argue that the focus on COVID clinical trials has only moved to put a greater emphasis on it.
One COVID-19 vaccine trial participant says she participated because, “I haven’t seen my only grandchild, Lola, in person this entire year. I’ve missed a year of her life.” Another participant stated, “I’m in a high-risk group for serious complications if I get COVID; I want to be able to live to see another day.”
Benefits of Trial Participation
The choice to participate is up to each individual but some of the benefits can include:
- Access to new medications, vaccines, or devices before the general public
- Study-related care from real doctors and medical staff at no cost – no insurance required
- Compensation for time and travel may be available for those who qualify and participate
- The ability to help others and contribute to medical advances
Clinical Trials Day
May 20th marks Clinical Trials Day, a day to recognize the people who conduct clinical trials and to help raise awareness of participation in the general community. The team at Cedar Health Research encourages everyone to take a few minutes to learn more about what it means to participate in a clinical trial and how you can help advance medicine.
Learn more by visiting CedarHealthResearch.com or call us at (214) 253-8170.
