How Would you Like to get Paid a few Thousand to lay Around and be fed?

Ok, it’s not really as simple as that, but many clinical trials aren’t that hard either.

In the interest of finding different ways for you to make and save money a staff member did a clinical trial for a condition they had.

While there, they talked to people who had done different ones and asked them for their thoughts, tips and advice.

Doctors, nurses and everyone else involved were more than happy to answer millions of questions too.

This post will cover the pros and cons.

To be clear, this is NOT a sponsored post. This was their experience with Nucleus Network.

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Why do a Clinical Trial?

Most people do it for the cash, although some say they do it to help others.

When we asked others why they were doing it, money was the driving force.

How Much do you get Paid?

Payment varies depending on how long you do it for and how much is involved.

Some clinical trials require you to stay in the clinic/hospital for quite a while, others are short.

Outpatient visits can vary from none to 20 or more.

This one had 2 x 3 overnight stays in 2 different months and 20 outpatient visits.

Others were only there overnight with no outpatient visits and some had between 14 and 35 day stays with some outpatient visits.

Each trial is different.

The payments ranged from $750 (quite a short trial) through to $8,000.

The payments are essentially $10 per hour but up to $360 a day, so less than minimum wage but still decent.

Payments are made in instalments and are designed to cover travel, parking and other expenses incurred while doing the trial.

They are not designed to compensate for the loss of income, daycare fees or anything like that.

With the instalments, it often goes a payment for the screening, followed by your first overnight visit with a set amount, your outpatient visits being another amount.

As you complete each step of the trial, the amounts are paid within 10 days.

What do I Need to do for a Clinical Trial?

For most clinical trials, you need to be healthy. The requirements for each trial will vary and it will be clearly outlined.

Registration is the first step. You will then be screened on a phone call to see if you are a suitable applicant.

A time will be made for your first proper screening appointment where they will do blood and urine tests, an ECG and possibly ultrasounds or other scans.

This is to determine you are fit and healthy for the study or to confirm you have the condition they want to test.

Once that is done if you pass, you will be booked into a group or cohort for the trial. Never go for cohort 1.

The first group/cohort are usually the ones where any major side effects will be picked up.

Go for later groups to ensure they have a clear idea of side effects and you can have a clear understanding of the risks.

Next, you attend appointments or stay overnight for as long as needed for the trial you have been selected for.

Whether the stay is 1 night or 35, you will be required to stay in the clinic the entire time.

You might be able to have visitors, but you cannot leave.

Meals, a bed, a common room with games, lounges, video games etc are included.

You are given all your meals, told when to eat and cannot bring in food or medications from home.

For the duration of your stay you are watched, monitored, everything is recorded, you eat at specific times, have blood or urine tests and times you must stay in bed.

You might be blindfolded when injected to ensure you don’t know which medication you are given.

Risks of Clinical Trials in Australia

Australia is one of the world leaders when it comes to medicine so the risks are considered to be lower. However, it doesn’t mean there are no risks.

You are having medicine tested on you and there can be side effects.

You are monitored closely, everything is documented and pain relief is given if needed.

Be aware of the side effects of any trial you choose to be involved in.

These risks are real and you need to consider how they will impact your life.

You are closely monitored for any side effects, but there have been deaths overseas.

How do you get Involved?

Select the company you wish to do it through or check for ones in your area. Read independent reviews and experiences online about them.

Bonus Tips

This is the advice from everyone to make it as smooth as possible.

1. Don’t Be The First

Do not be in the first group to test anything.

Always aim to be a few groups later so they already know the possible side effects.

2. Look for Minimal Outpatient Visits

The outpatient visits can take up a chunk of travel time and interrupt your day.

Find clinical trials with fewer outpatient visits to minimise disruption to your life.

3. Check The Blood Tests

Not all studies require numerous blood tests.

Those that do will require a canular and often numerous outpatient visits that take more time.

4. Prepare To Be Bored

Even with books, a laptop, your phone etc it can be a long and boring stay.

5. Don’t Lie

This might seem obvious, but they are testing everything about you multiple times.

You can’t lie your way in. They test urine and blood, along with doing ultrasounds, ECG’s and any others tests.

If you have any conditions, have eaten poppy seeds, smoke or drink too much, take over the counter medications or supplements and don’t tell them, they will know and you will get booted from the study.

6. Take Your Own Pillow

Simple, but it will make a real difference. The ones in there are hard and designed to last in a hospital with multiple people using them.

They are not comfy!

7. Take Care Of Yourself

In some studies there will be restrictions even on exercise so make sure you are in the best possible condition before you go in.

Document everything, including if you take any painkillers, how much and when.

Sleep if you need and allow yourself time to adjust back to normal.

If doing medical trials is something you’d consider, make sure you do thorough research and be aware of all the risks.

What do you think of being part of clinical trials and medical testing?

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