How to Join a Clinical Trial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our series of blogs honoring Clinical Trials Day 2025, recognized on May 20th!

Clinical trials are vital to advancing medicine—and joining one can be a powerful way to contribute to science and potentially benefit from new treatments. But how do you actually get started? Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process.

🔍 Step 1: Search for a Trial
Look for clinical trials that match your health condition, age, or other criteria. Trusted resources include ClinicalTrials.gov, hospitals, universities, or JoinAStudy.ca! Many sites allow you to filter by location, condition, and eligibility.

📋 Step 2: Check Eligibility
Every trial has inclusion and exclusion criteria. These help researchers ensure the results are accurate and safe. Criteria may involve age, gender, medical history, or specific test results.

📞 Step 3: Contact the Research Team
Once you’ve found a trial, reach out to the study coordinator. They’ll answer your questions and walk you through the next steps. This is a great time to ask about risks, time commitments, and compensation.

📝 Step 4: Review the Informed Consent
Before joining, you’ll receive a document explaining the trial’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Take your time reviewing it—you have the right to ask questions and decline participation at any time.

✅ Step 5: Enroll and Participate
If you decide to move forward, you’ll go through screening to confirm eligibility. Once enrolled, follow the study’s schedule and stay in communication with the research team.

Clinical trials are always voluntary. You can leave a trial at any time, for any reason. By participating, you’re helping shape the future of medicine—thank you.