FAQ’s about Clinical Studies

Clinical research studies aid in the development of new medical, surgical, or behavioral interventions. Clinical studies are a vital step in determining if a new treatment or diagnostic device is safe and effective. Studies follow a rigorous protocol to ensure the safety of participants and the validity of results. Research participants are truly medical heroes; their willingness to participate makes the advancement of medical knowledge possible.

Participation requirements vary based on the study and its objectives. Participation always begins with informed consent, during which patients will learn about: 

• The risks and benefits of participating.

• Their right to withdraw at any point with no consequences.

• How their participation is voluntary.

• What will be required of them while participating.

• The study and intervention.

• Any alternatives to participation.

• Their compensation for participation.

Following consent, participation depends on the study design.

Non-interventional studies are exactly how they sound, there is no intervention. The non-interventional studies that we participate in most often involve answering medical and demographic questions and completing a blood draw. After collection, the blood is processed, shipped, and used for a variety of purposes ranging from infection monitoring to cancer detection assays. These studies are often a single visit. A little blood can go a long way!

Interventional studies involve—you guessed it—an intervention. This may be a drug, a vaccine, or a device, such as a new COVID test or a phone application. These studies often have stricter eligibility criteria, and will often include a control arm that will receive a placebo instead of an active product. 

Treatment assignments will be done via random assignment (like an online coin flip) to remove bias, and allocations will be blinded for patients and staff. Interventional studies will involve multiple visits, both over the phone and in person, over a period of time.

Participating in any kind of research is always completely voluntary, and participants have the right to withdraw their consent at any time. Our research participants are always compensated for their time and efforts; this compensation varies from $40 – $2000, depending on the study design, time commitment, and involvement. We strive to empower our community members by offering opportunities to contribute to research – our patients know the difference that they’re making. Each study aids in improving the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of health conditions. 

When you participate in a clinical study with Skylight Health Research, not only do you contribute to the advancement of medicine, but you also may gain access to groundbreaking treatments and therapies. We always compensate participants for their time and efforts, and we ensure that they feel safe and respected every step of the way.