Participating in a clinical trial gave me time to enjoy the smaller things in life

I found myself with free time one summer and decided that being a volunteer for a clinical trial would be a good way to fill the time. My friends reacted with surprise and said it was a strange way to spend valuable leisure time, but for me, as well as the incentive of a financial reward for completing the study, there was the personal reward of being able to step out of the busy routine of daily life.

Participating in a clinical trial gave me time for the small things. Time to read that book; time to catch up on writing; time to clean my computer hard drive; time to find some quiet study time; time to run through the movies I never had time to see, and finally time to read the daily newspapers.

I’ve been very lucky in life with my health and so, for me, signing up for a clinical study was a simple obligation saying thank you for having such good fortune and a healthy frame. I don’t possess a medical cabinet, very rarely visit a pharmacy and have never been admitted to a hospital – that amounts to a whole lot of luck in my opinion.

I wanted to use my position to help research and development for possibly vital medicines to support those less fortunate than myself.

Regarding my clinical trial experience, the details of each study are clearly explained long before you reach a volunteer bed on a ward. It’s an information process that allows you to comfortably make an informed decision before taking part in a clinical study. Safety checks and assessment of health, past and existing, are prioritised and you feel the sense of ethical professionalism all through the volunteer experience.

The Quotient clinical team are exceptional in their attentiveness and willingness to help with any questions that you may have. Raise any query and it will be addressed; whether it be about the test medicine, the food, receiving mail, or something more personal.

You do need to be prepared for the clinical routine. It requires you to follow instruction and to be ready at the particular times for meals or procedures. Each study is conducted with care, accuracy and with a fair dose of good humour as well, by all the members of the ward team. From the senior medical team to the newest staff member, you do feel the duty of care with which they have been trusted and the upmost consideration is taken with your care at all times.

You don’t need to bring much onto the ward as there is limited space to store things. You’ll spend a great deal of your time relaxing, either in bed or on the sofas or excellent reclining chairs. Whatever makes you feel most comfy at home also works here. If you are a light sleeper, then ear‐plugs and eye‐blinds are a good idea.

The volunteer liaison officer runs a great program of social events to keep you enthused during the study. There are always activities to participate in and the ‘Queen of the Quiz’ Elaine is always ready to consider new suggestions from volunteers.

I’ve used the inconvenience allowances to travel far and wide. Friends in Melbourne, San Francisco, Bali, Mozambique, and Jamaica have all been on my radar and it’s just a great feeling being able to make those trips annually and see family and old friends.

For me, I can recommend Quotient as being unsurpassed in offering its volunteers the best experience possible on their studies. I am always comfortable, always informed and am never without the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers.

I’ll keep volunteering at Quotient as I know it does make such a huge difference – the forward push of vital medical research does need people like us…. So look online and apply – it really does start with you.

View our current trials page here.