Patient Resources
Whether you are taking part in a clinical trial for the first time or have been part of research in the past, we are here to answer your questions so you can better understand your role as a volunteer.
How volunteers drive clinical research at VCU Health
Clinical research helps us test new drugs, devices, vaccines, and behavioral therapies to cure or manage illnesses. During the research process, researchers can find out if these innovations are safe and effective, which improves our understanding of the human body and helps us give all patients better care.
None of this would be possible without the volunteers who take part in clinical research.
Myth busting research
Clinical trials play an important role in bringing new treatments, drugs and devices to patients. Trials need volunteers to succeed, but you might be hesitant to become a volunteer if you’ve heard some common misconceptions about how clinical trials work. We’re here to bust myths about what it means to participate in a study, so you’re armed with the facts.
MYTH: Patients who participate in clinical trials are human guinea pigs
FACT: People who volunteer for clinical trials are treated with respect. We’re committed to protecting and promoting our patients’ wellbeing, and we offer the best care possible throughout any clinical trial.
MYTH: I won’t benefit by participating
FACT: Trial volunteers have access to the latest drugs, devices, and procedures. We know from past research studies that volunteers have outcomes that are at least as good – or better – than patients who don’t volunteer.
MYTH: It takes too much of my time.
FACT: Every clinical trial is different, and so is the time commitment for volunteering. We try to minimize your time commitment while also focusing on your safety. Your consent forms will include every term and condition of the study, including how much time it will take.
MYTH: I’ll be given sugar pills if I volunteer
FACT: You will always receive the best possible care if you are enrolled in a clinical trial. You will only receive a placebo – sometimes known as a “sugar pill” -- if there are no approved treatments that can be used as a comparison.
MYTH: My health insurance won’t cover the costs
FACT: Nearly all insurance companies, including Medicare, will cover your standard test and treatment costs while you’re in a clinical trial. The clinical trial has a budget to cover all the medication and treatment being tested, so you will not be billed for those costs. Your consent form will also detail how costs are covered.
MYTH: Clinical trials are for patients who have no other options
FACT: Yes, for some patients a clinical trial might be a last resort. But in most cases, clinical trials are available even when standard treatments are available. In fact, some trials use standard care or try to improve that standard care.
MYTH: Once I sign a consent form, I’m bound to participate in the study
FACT: You are always in control, and you always have the right to stop participating in a clinical trial.
Still have questions about research?
Visit the National Institute of Health website to find answers to frequently asked questions about participating in clinical research.
For questions about research at VCU Health, contact the VCU Health Research Navigator (research nurse or Clinical Research Unit) by calling 804-828-9101 or emailing us at clinical.research@vcuhealth.org.
Connect with us!
The VCU Health Office of Clinical Research is located at 1300 East Marshall Street (North Hospital, 8th floor), Richmond, Virginia 23298-1055.
- For general questions about Clinical Research at VCU Health, please send an email to clinical.research@vcuhealth.org.
- For questions about clinical trial billing, please send an email to clinicaltrialsbilling@vcuhealth.org
- For questions about Protocol Review Oversight Committees (PROCs), please send an email to PROC@vcuhealth.org.
Adult Clinical Research Unit (CRU)
Located on the 8th floor of North Hospital
Nurse’s Station: 804-828-9101
Registration Desk: 804-828-9105
To schedule a CRU study participant visit, please email
crs-scheduler@vcuhealth.org
Pediatric Clinical Research Unit (PRU)
Located on the 1st floor of the Children’s Pavilion
Nurse’s Station: 804-628-9747
To schedule a PRU study participant visit, please email pruscheduler@vcuhealth.org