Volunteering for a research project

Volunteers donate their time to participate in research projects and in return receive excellent comprehensive medical care free of charge, and may learn new information about their bodies. Without volunteers the medicines we use today would not be available and many treatments would not be possible.

What is a research project?

Researchers conduct research projects to develop and test new treatments or devices. These tests are done to see if the drug or device is safe and effective for people to use or to compare treatments to see which is the most effective. Doctors and other health professionals run the tests according to strict rules set by the Therapeutic Goods Agency (TGA), the Australian regulatory body. The safest and most effective way to evaluate treatments is in the form of a clinical trial. All clinical trials have to follow guidelines for good clinical practice and be approved and monitored by a registered ethics committee.

Why Volunteer?

• Volunteering for a research project takes commitment on your part as well as the medical staff. There are many reasons why people volunteer for clinical trials.
• Sarah joined a trial of a new treatment because she hoped it may improve her quality of life
• Mary said she had tried everything for her heavy periods and joined a trial to try a new treatment
• Elizabeth and Susan were both interested in research into contraception and found a trial they wanted to participate in.
• Some people just simply want to help others.
• Tara liked the idea of a thorough medical/gynaecological examination which was part of the trial she joined.

How safe is it to volunteer?

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us.

Joy said she 'felt really safe during her participation in the trial because the staff were professional but helpful and friendly'.

The risks and benefits associated with joining a clinical trial will be explained before joining so that you, the volunteer, can make an informed choice.

An ethics review board has to approve the research project before it can start, and you, the volunteer, have to sign a consent form before you can join.

Cost of participating in a trial

There is no cost to volunteers in a trial. All treatment and tests are free. There is usually a modest amount of reimbursement to cover travel and parking expenses you may incur as a result of participating.

Some questions you may want to consider when discussing possible participation in a trial

• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who is sponsoring the study?
• How long will I have to participate?
• What are the possible benefits and risks to me?
• What kind of treatment will I be given?
• Will my personal details remain confidential?

If you decide to join a research project you can withdraw at any time should you change your mind. This decision will not affect future access to services at Family Planning New South Wales

Register your interest to be a volunteer.