The support that caregivers provide to clinical trial participants is similar to the support they provide to any loved one with a medical condition. Caregivers may help with day-to-day details such as providing or coordinating transportation to study visits, taking care of household duties, and offering emotional support. It can also be helpful for caregivers to attend study visits with their loved one, ask questions of the study team, and take notes.
To support a loved one in a clinical trial, it may be helpful for a caregiver to review the informed consent document and speak with the study team to learn about the details of the study. This can help with things like planning for study activities and knowing how to report any side effects that the participant may experience.
Every clinical trial is different, so the time commitment for each is also different. Each clinical trial has a detailed plan for study activities. This plan includes the length of time required to participate in the study, the number of appointments related to the study, and what will happen during those appointments. You may also consider the time you will need to travel to the appointments.
During the informed consent process, the study team will walk you through the details of the study. You can ask the study team any questions you have before deciding whether to participate, as well as during the study.
The available support depends on your specific study and the location where your loved one is enrolled. The details are explained in the informed consent document. Examples of support that may be available include transportation to study visits or digital tools to help participants capture study-related activities. The study team is also always available to answer any questions you or your loved one may have.