I am a 29 year old male and started doing paid clinical trials around 10 years ago when I needed extra money whilst I was a student. I’ve done 5 in total. Trials have pros and cons, but I’ve always treated them as a mini break from work, a place to relax, meet new people and receive a bit of extra income.
It’s always nice to use the money for a holiday, car insurance, Christmas fund, or just have a bit extra in the bank! I’ve always done the trials that are 1 visit as I prefer it with work - taking time off in one go and arranging my calendar for taking just a week or two off. It’s always nice to take time off work and also be paid for my time again – double whammy!
I’ve never had any side effects on trials, so it has always been smooth sailing for me. Obviously, everything has its risks, but you are well informed at every stage of the process and at any point you can walk away.
I spent my time at Quotient Sciences’ unit playing pool, table tennis, the Xbox, getting involved in bingo and quiz sessions - generally nattering with the other people. You can be as social or recluse as you like, no pressure! Some people spend their time voluntarily chilling in their bed, cosy & warm, bingeing tv shows, earphones in & napping! Whilst some like to pass the time being involved in a bit of fun with the well organised events like pool, bingo and quizzes.
The staff are lovely, nice, professional - but approachable. Nurses are great and always make you feel comfortable with the procedures and always keep your safety in mind.
Quotient’s Volunteer Liaison Officer organises quizzes and bingo sessions to keep people entertained and is an all-round joy to be around. A ray of happiness which is always welcome and much appreciated when on a longer study! They are also the go to for laundry if the study allows, - well, anything to do with your stay really.
Quotient is always asking for feedback – they are passionate about the volunteers’ experience in clinic. The staff seem to love their job – and it shows.
Now to the important stuff… Food!!
Breakfast is typically a choice of cereal: muesli, cornflakes, or my top choice – Weetabix , and usually with a choice of fruit (apple, pear or banana). If you are lucky, you could choose a trial with a full fat breakfast. Basically, sausage, bacon, egg - the traditional English breakfast! A muffin or croissant choice too! Another box to tick is fresh fruit salad and a yogurt -this beats my standard rice krispies at home any day!
Lunch can be a sandwich, wrap, cob, soup of the day, or a jacket potato with beans and cheese – which I love! A snack – and again fresh fruit – they really do look after your wellbeing!
Evening meals are always top notch. Hot and scrumptious. I’ve had steak pie, fish and chips, chicken, lasagne, salmon; the list goes on.
Desserts are great too. Apple pie, cookies, lemon cake, bread and butter pudding, golden syrup flapjack - I am salivating at the memories of these!!
You’ll never be hungry!
While in the unit I do miss the fresh air. There is a small outside area with a pool table, table tennis and some picnic benches – but I do enjoy the outdoors! I was on a trial where they organised a supervised walk outside and we went to Rushcliffe Country Park around the corner – but this can’t be promised as it’s sponsor lead and needs additional staffing at times. So just be aware that outside time may not feel the same as ‘the great outdoors’ we have in this country!
The other consideration is that it’s a shared ward. Personally, I don’t mind this - everyone keeps to themselves and is respectful towards the other volunteers. There are no curtains around the beds and there is the risk there may be a snorer – but earplugs are always on hand and I have always caught up on sleep on non-dosing days – so no real sleep lost!
Doing a trial is the best thing you’ll ever do. I 100% recommend it.
A real guilt free down time – an escape from the rat race of life – a time to reflect how lucky I am to have my health – so I can help others.
If you want to know the realities of taking part in these trials, read all of the other stories from ‘the real volunteers’ who do them – it’s great to be a part of a community who really do want to help transform the way medicine is developed in the world…