When It's Time To Call It Quits
Sorry for the gap - I've had that sinus-and-chest-and-stomach thing that's been going around lately. But I'm much better now!
One of the questions asked by many clinical trial participants involves terminating their participation. "Can I quit if I want to?" The answer itself is simple: "Yes, if it's safe."
Just as participants voluntarily enroll in a clinical trial, their continued participation is likewise voluntary. No one can be forced to remain a research subject against their will. But no one should withdraw from a study unless it is safe to withdraw.
Individuals thinking about volunteering for a clinical trial should carefully consider why they would want to enroll. Similarly, once in a study, participants who wish to withdraw should be sure they are doing so for good reason.
The best way to examine the pros and cons is to ask the study team. Ask them what would be involved in quitting now, how your health might be affected and what alternatives there might be to quitting. Sometimes a simple lack of communication is responsible for a participant's dissatisfaction with the way a study is going. Talking to the research team may clear up a misunderstanding - which could lead to a change of heart or reassure the participant that quitting is in fact what they want to do.
But the next step is by far the most important: Assess the safety of quitting at this time. What are the risks to your health if you stop? Would it be safer to gradually withdraw than to withdraw all at once? These questions should be asked of the study team, but they should also be asked of, and considered by, your physician. Your physician is in the best position to advise you on these questions because your physician's primary interest is in your health.
So, if you think it's time to call it quits, find out what would be involved, check out the alternatives and, most importantly, figure out whether it is safe! The decision is yours.
-Joe
Related Topics: Clinical Trials: Know Your Rights, Sorting Through the Latest Drug Studies
Technorati Tags: clinicaltrials
One of the questions asked by many clinical trial participants involves terminating their participation. "Can I quit if I want to?" The answer itself is simple: "Yes, if it's safe."
Just as participants voluntarily enroll in a clinical trial, their continued participation is likewise voluntary. No one can be forced to remain a research subject against their will. But no one should withdraw from a study unless it is safe to withdraw.
Individuals thinking about volunteering for a clinical trial should carefully consider why they would want to enroll. Similarly, once in a study, participants who wish to withdraw should be sure they are doing so for good reason.
The best way to examine the pros and cons is to ask the study team. Ask them what would be involved in quitting now, how your health might be affected and what alternatives there might be to quitting. Sometimes a simple lack of communication is responsible for a participant's dissatisfaction with the way a study is going. Talking to the research team may clear up a misunderstanding - which could lead to a change of heart or reassure the participant that quitting is in fact what they want to do.
But the next step is by far the most important: Assess the safety of quitting at this time. What are the risks to your health if you stop? Would it be safer to gradually withdraw than to withdraw all at once? These questions should be asked of the study team, but they should also be asked of, and considered by, your physician. Your physician is in the best position to advise you on these questions because your physician's primary interest is in your health.
So, if you think it's time to call it quits, find out what would be involved, check out the alternatives and, most importantly, figure out whether it is safe! The decision is yours.
-Joe
Related Topics: Clinical Trials: Know Your Rights, Sorting Through the Latest Drug Studies
Technorati Tags: clinicaltrials
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