Helix Clinical Research Partners
How Do Trials Work?
1. Pre-Screening
2. Screening Appointment
2. Screening Appointment
- No insurance needed
- Discuss the details of the study
- Eligibility review
Once a participant expresses interest, the research study staff or medical professionals leading the study will call to discuss the details to determine the level of interest from the interested party. If the level of interest remains after the pre-screening, a screening appointment will be scheduled.
2. Screening Appointment
2. Screening Appointment
2. Screening Appointment
- Discuss your questions
- Review the informed consent process
- Medication review
- Medical tests and history
At the screening appointment, the medical professional or research study team thoroughly explains the protocols, procedures, treatments, risks, benefits, medical history, current medications, any other relevant health issues, and additional criteria related to the research study, ensuring that the participant is well-suited to volunteer for the trial.
3. Confirmation Call
2. Screening Appointment
- If you qualify, you’ll be scheduled for your baseline visit.
- If you don’t qualify, we’ll thank you for your time and interest, and no other visits will be required.
After the screening tests, the medical professionals overseeing the clinical trial will evaluate each participant’s eligibility based on the results. The research professional or study coordinator will then contact you to share the decision. If it’s determined that you do not qualify for the study, we encourage you to apply for future studies, as you never know which one might be the perfect fit for you!
4. Initial or Baseline Visit
- Dispensed the study drug
- Instructions for dosage
- Review study protocol
- Labs or other procedures
During this visit, the study drug is usually provided, along with instructions for dosage, documentation of dosing, and other relevant study protocol details. The study coordinator will also set up your visit schedule for the duration of the study, ensuring you know when to return for additional check-ins.
5. Clinical Trial Visits
- Clinical trials vary in length, with some lasting only a few weeks or months, while others may last a few years.
- The length of your study will determine the number of visits you’ll have throughout the course.
- Follow-up visits are usually every three to six months for long-term studies.
What to expect for follow-up visits:
- Visits are typically more frequent during the beginning of the study. As the study progresses, they become less frequent.
- Each visit will require you to bring your study medication and any diaries you may have been asked to complete. The coordinator will count your medication and dispense enough to last you through the next visit.
- The coordinator may also require blood/urine samples, vital signs, an electrocardiogram, or other procedure.
6. End of Study
We will coordinate with your physician for you
- At the final study visit, all unused medication will be collected and you will not receive more.
- Every study is different, and the actual length of the final visit can vary considerably.
The exams and tests during this visit will be similar to those conducted during the screening appointment. To ensure continued follow-up care, the coordinator will schedule a regular office visit with your physician in the coming months, in line with your usual treatment schedule.
Your study coordinator and/or doctor will provide additional information during your screening visit regarding the estimated duration of each study visit.