Preparation guide
Your preparation library
Plain-language guides to help you understand the common steps before you sign up for anything.
Study preparation
Before any first conversation, gather your calendar, a short list of questions, and a sense of how much time and travel works for you. Preparation is about knowing what to ask, not having all the answers.
Questions to ask
Good questions cover time, location, what happens at each visit, how your information is handled, and who you can contact. Write them down so nothing gets missed.
Screening basics
Screening is a step run by the independent study team to see whether a study fits you. It is separate from this website. You can ask what screening involves and how long it takes.
Informed consent
Informed consent is a conversation and a document that explains a study in plain terms. You can take time to read it, bring someone with you, and ask questions before signing anything.
Visit expectations
Ask how long visits last, what to bring, and whether any visits can happen remotely. Knowing the rhythm of visits helps you plan the rest of your week.
Trial terminology
Words like protocol, placebo, randomized, and phase show up often. A protocol is the study plan. Randomized means groups are assigned by chance. Phase describes the stage of a study.
Scheduling preparation
Look at work, family, and travel commitments for the months ahead. Ask the study team about visit windows and what happens if you need to reschedule.
Participant rights
Volunteers can ask questions at any time, take time to decide, and leave a study whenever they choose. Ask the study team who to contact about your rights.
Questions-to-ask tool
Select the questions you want to bring. Your list stays on this screen only.
Common trial terms
- Protocol
- The written plan describing how a study is run.
- Placebo
- An inactive version used for comparison in some studies.
- Randomized
- Groups are assigned by chance rather than choice.
- Phase
- A label that describes the stage of a research study.
- Study coordinator
- The person at an independent program who organizes visits and answers questions.
- Informed consent
- The process of learning about a study before deciding to join.