Deciding whether or not you should be in a research study is a personal decision that can be hard to make. It is often helpful to talk to the research team, as well as your doctors, your family, and friends. There are no right or wrong choices. Whether to participate in a research study is your decision, and you should not be pressured into doing so unless you feel comfortable about it. You should have as much time as you need to make up your mind.
To help you in making your decision, there are several questions that you might want to ask and think about before joining a study. These include:
Other useful information you may want to look into are your rights as a potential research volunteer (Research Subject Bill of Rights) and a simple brochure that summarizes some of the issues involved in making the right decision for you (Should I be a Research Subject?).
It is your choice. You can change your mind at any time about being in a study. Any decision you make will not affect the care you will receive by your doctor or your hospital.