Study Durations and Types / World Report on HD Net
There are many different types of studies. This bit primarily focuses on duration, multi-part and out-patient visits or OPV for short. First off, if you’re looking for a study, you will be given many options. Some studies are one period in-house. Some studies have 2, 3, 4 or more periods that you have to be able to attend. Some studies have OPV’s where you visit the clinic for a few minutes to a few hours. Some studies have in-house stay or stays and one or more OPV’s. It is important to remember that when you sign up for a study, you are agreeing to complete all parts of the study including multi-part periods and OPV’s. Failure to do so can result in reduced payment.
The length of the study and number of in-house stays will depend on what type of trial and the objectives that the sponsor is looking for. In early first in man trials, most trials will be short and comprise of a single dose. As the drug proves its safety and tolerability, longer trials are conducted in which multiple doses are administered. Many of the trials that have multiple periods involve escalating doses, different formulations, comparison of various drugs or bio-equivalency of brand name medications to generic counterparts.
Now for the numbers. Single in-house periods can last from 2 nights to 30 nights for most studies with some studies lasting longer than 30 days. Multiple period studies usually last 2 to 7 nights with 2 to 4 or more periods. There are endless variations and just when you think you’ve heard of everything, some strange study comes out. Anyhoo, there are studies for just about any comfort level. Some people don’t want to spend a long time in the clinic and choose to do the short studies. Students do the weekend studies so they can attend classes during the week. And then there are the people who do studies for “the time being” who usually do the longer studies. The only problem with the long studies is that you are in the clinic for weeks at a time with the same people. Some people don’t do well with this and occasionally drop out. I liken the long studies to attending a nice long summer camp or training camp. There are ups and downs but in the end, you are working towards one goal. Finishing. Getting paid. Helping medical science. I always suggest that new volunteers try a short study to see if they like it or not. It’s not for everyone but whether you do one study or a dozen, you’re helping to bring new drugs to the market.
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There will be a segment on the upcoming edition of World Report on HD Net about clinical research volunteers. Several volunteers and other figures from the industry give the viewer insight into the world of clinical research. If you miss it, there are podcast available on itunes. Dish Network 362, DirecTV 79 or 306. Also available on cable but you must have HD service. Tuesday, November 18th 9:00 PM EST
Tags: durationm opv, hdnet, in-house, interview, study, world report
