For Participants – Palm Springs Community Health Center

Clinical trials are a vital part of advancing medical research and finding new treatments. By participating in a clinical trial, you contribute to the discovery of therapies that can improve healthcare for yourself and others.

Why Participate in Clinical Trials?
  • Access to New Treatments: You may gain early access to treatments that are not yet available to the public.
  • Close Medical Monitoring: You will receive regular health checkups and monitoring throughout the trial.
  • Contribute to Science: Your participation helps researchers discover better treatments and improve healthcare for future generations.
  • Compensation: Some trials offer compensation for time and travel expenses.
Participant Rights and Safety

Your rights and safety are our top priorities in every clinical trial we conduct. Here's what you can expect:

  • Informed Consent: Before participating, you will receive all necessary information about the trial, including potential risks and benefits, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
  • Right to Withdraw: You have the right to withdraw from the trial at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits.
  • Regulatory Oversight: All trials at PSCHC are reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure they are ethically conducted.
  • Confidentiality: Your personal and medical information will be kept confidential and only shared with the research team as necessary.
Eligibility Criteria

Each clinical trial has specific criteria to determine who can participate. These criteria help ensure that the study results are scientifically valid. Eligibility may depend on factors such as:

  • Age and Gender: Some trials may require participants to be within a certain age range or gender.
  • Medical History: Trials may seek participants with specific medical conditions or those without any major health issues.
  • Current Medications: Certain medications may prevent participation if they interfere with the study treatment.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, or other lifestyle factors may influence eligibility.

If you're interested in participating, please reach out to see if you meet the eligibility requirements for any current trials.

Participation Process

The process of participating in a clinical trial typically follows these steps:

  • Initial Screening: After expressing interest, you'll complete a screening process to determine your eligibility.
  • Informed Consent: If eligible, you will be provided with an informed consent document outlining the details of the study.
  • Baseline Assessments: Before starting the treatment, you'll undergo initial health assessments to establish a baseline.
  • Study Treatment: You will receive the treatment being studied, which could be a medication, procedure, or therapy. Some participants may receive a placebo.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout the trial, your health will be closely monitored with regular checkups and tests.
  • Follow-up: After the study concludes, follow-up assessments are conducted to evaluate your long-term health and any effects of the treatment.

Our team is here to support you through every step of the process and ensure that you are comfortable and well-informed.

FAQs for Participants

Q: What is a clinical trial?

A: A clinical trial is a research study that tests new treatments or therapies to determine their safety and effectiveness.

Q: How long do trials last?

A: The length of a clinical trial varies depending on the type of study. Some trials may last only a few weeks, while others could continue for several years.

Q: Will I be paid for participating?

A: Many trials offer compensation to participants for their time, travel, and any inconveniences they may experience.

Q: What if I want to leave the trial early?

A: You have the right to withdraw from the trial at any point, for any reason, without any penalty.

Q: Are clinical trials safe?

A: All clinical trials are reviewed by an ethics committee or IRB to ensure they are conducted safely. Additionally, your health will be closely monitored throughout the trial.

Q: Will I have to pay for anything?

A: In most clinical trials, the treatments and medical care provided are free of charge to participants. However, it's important to discuss the specific details with the research team.

Patient Stories and Testimonials

Patient Story 1:

"I participated in a clinical trial at Palm Springs Community Health Center and had a fantastic experience. The staff were incredibly supportive and made sure I was comfortable throughout the process. I also felt good knowing that my participation helped advance medical research." – Sarah, Trial Participant

Patient Story 2:

"Thanks to the clinical trial, I had access to a new treatment that wasn't available to the public. The team at PSCHC made me feel like I was part of something important, and they explained everything clearly so I always knew what to expect." – John, Trial Participant

Patient Story 3:

"I was hesitant at first, but the team answered all my questions and helped me understand the importance of the research. I'm glad I chose to participate, and I'd do it again." – Maria, Trial Participant

Interested in Participating?

If you're interested in contributing to medical research and potentially accessing new treatments, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you find a suitable clinical trial.

Contact Us About Trials