Frequently Asked Questions
Participating in medical research is valuable and indispensable for the development of medicines. If you are considering to take part, you will have questions. Some of the most frequently asked are below.
What are the hospitals like?
The clinic is run like a hospital, but with many leisure facilities such as DVD players, pool table, dart boards (game) computers and a WiFi network. We have made it as cozy as possible. See our picture gallery.
There are bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and recreation rooms. The doctors and nurses wear white coats just like in a hospital and there is of course the necessary medical equipment. Furthermore, each room has an emergency alarm and all participants also carry a personal alarm. When it comes to safety we leave nothing to chance.
^ Back to top
Can I receive visitors during an investigation?
Yes, you may, but after consulting clinic staff. Usually on days when blood samples are taken, visitors won’t be allowed. We request the right to do security bag checks on visitors . This in relation with the strict rules concerning the use of food and drink.
^ Back to top
Can I use my mobile phone and / or laptop?
No problem. In both clinics we have a Wi-Fi network so you can use internet and email. You can also bring your own movies and games if you want. This is at your own risk. PRA is not responsible for theft and / or damage to your property.
^ Back to top
Do I get paid and is there a relationship between payment and risk
Yes, you will receive a payment which is derived from the minimum wage with a surcharge depending on the specific research. The payment varies between 103 euro and 192 euro per day. In addition we pay a travel allowance. The payment has no relation to any risk. That risk can never be any greater than the risks that you run through normal daily activity. Further information is provided in each study hand out.
^ Back to top
Do I pay taxes on the compensation?
This depends on your personal situation. The Dutch tax authorities regards the payment as " income “ so some taxes may need to be paid. More information can be found here.
^ Back to top
Can I pull out of the investigation?
Yes, you have the right to discontinue your participation at any time. However you may not receive full payment depending on the circumstances. If the medical trial is stopped because of adverse events, we will determine the amount of compensation specific to each situation.
^ Back to top
Can you predict side effects?
No, unfortunately we can not predict all side effects. We can only do so based on previous studies although we can not predict how serious they can be.
^ Back to top
How often can I participate?
That depends. For their own safety men may not participate more than 4 times per year in an investigation, with at least 2 or 3 months between each study. Some trials even require a period of 6 months to a year. Women usually have to wait for a longer period.
^ Up
What happens if someone is seriously ill during the investigation?
At the slightest indication that something is not going well, we will stop immediately. As a volunteer you are under the strict control of doctors, nurses and scientific researchers. This keeps the risk as small as possible. PRA has a modern pharmacy and hospital equipment and the standard medicines are available.
^ Back to top
What are the requirements to participate?
The requirements vary by study. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. In general you must be healthy and not use any medicines or soft- or harddrugs. There are some exceptions depending on the trial.
^ Back to top
What other people are there in the research?
Usually there is a group of 5 to 12 people per study. Depending on the nature and purpose of the trial the volunteers may be younger or older. Sometimes a group may consist of only men or women. There are also studies specific to women in menopause, diabetics or people with a mild form of asthma.
^ Back to top
How many blood samples are taken each day?
The collection of blood samples is very important in any investigation. Usually samples are taken several times a day. Sometimes a cannula is used when blood samples are needed each day. A cannula (Venflon ©) is a device that is attached to the forearm to make obtaining blood samples easier. This may cause some irritation, but we do everything to minimize this occurring. In addition, at other times we also have to take blood samples by direct puncture of a vein.
^ Back to top
What activities are there to do in the clinic?
You can enjoy yourself during the research playing billiards/pool, darts, poker, table tennis, watching DVDs and the new PlayStation 3. There are a number of computers with internet access in our clinics and you can use your own laptop. You can also take a walk outside our clinic, however this will always be under supervision of our staff. For the volunteers in a long-term study we will also organize workshops, such as drawing, photography or massage. However you will not always have time for these activities. On busy days when we take a lot of blood samples you need to remain close to the sample room.
^ Back to top
Are there rules in the clinic?
Yes there are house rules. In most studies, you may not smoke, not drink alcohol and only drink decaffeinated coffee and tea. We have a fairly fixed schedule. You can move freely within the clinic, but can only leave the clinic under supervision of a staff member.
^ Back to top
How can I complain?
If you have complaints of medical and non-medical nature during your contact with PRA (starting from the pre screening to the final follow up, you notify medical staff or the Recruitment Office. In case of medical complaints you should immediately notify the medical staff. Dissatisfaction with non-medical things you can discuss with the responsible MRA, team leader or doctor. If you are still not satisfied you can send a complaint to the Director Clinical Operations PRA, PO Box 200, 9470 AE Zuidlaren.
^ Back to top
