Clinical trials are, without question and doubt, aiming to find a solution for COVID-19. If you are looking for ways to contribute to the solution, participating in such will surely help the situation. The faster we can come up with positive studies, the faster we can stop this pandemic and return to some semblance of normalcy. 

The words compassion, kindness, and charity have been widely used since the pandemic started this year. Donation drives have been created by many groups and individuals. Millions of dollars were also allocated to address the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our health care providers. 

Another way to help our country during this pandemic is to participate in a clinical trial if you are wanting to make a change and leave a lasting impact. 

The results of clinical trials:

• Some clinical trials are focused on assessment or screening. One that is commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and drive-through testing centers is the real-time polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR. The testing kit that identifies antibodies of the virus was first studied in a clinical trial before being available to the public. 
• Through clinical trial testing, it has been observed that the wearing of a face mask or personal protective covering can reduce the spread of the virus. Numerous clinical trials on personal protective equipment (PPE) have been completed. Vaccines are also part of this classification.
• Newer clinical trials are focused on finding treatments for patients. Researchers are testing available medications (whether or not directly related to a virus) to find out what can kill the coronavirus. Scientists are studying treatments like remdesivir, EIDD-2801, chloroquine, avigan, and lopinavir.
• Healthier behaviors and lifestyles are another focus of clinical trials. Scientists are testing food sources, vitamin supplements, lifestyle changes, environmental effects, and even social behaviors. This can evaluate and determine which practices can prevent the spread of other diseases and health issues in the future. 

By addressing disease prevention, health management, and lifestyle changes, we can already conclude how beneficial clinical trials are. 

How to join a clinical trial:

• Think about what type of trial you would like to be a part of. You should know that not everyone qualifies for all clinical trials as there are certain requirements for each. For example, individuals who have tested positive can be helpful for finding treatments. Meanwhile, individuals who have tested negative can help in a trial for disease prevention. 
• You need to decide how much time you want and can commit to the study. There are both short-term and long-term studies. Also, you need to be comfortable with certain invasive testing. There are studies that will involve blood extraction or throat swabbing, which will not work for squeamish individuals.
• To sign up for a clinical trial, look for one that has ongoing recruitment processes. Depending on the study, you may receive compensation in the form of cash. Also, check if the location of the study is convenient for you. You shouldn’t sign up for a clinical trial that is an hour or more from where you live. 
• Ask questions before committing or signing up for any trial. It is your right to know how you will be protected during the study. You should also ask about confidentiality – will your name or picture be taken and then published? What are the benefits and risks? How many days, weeks, or months will you need to participate? When will you know the findings? 

Being a part of a study that massively affect the next few years of health care is extraordinary. Through the hundreds of research studies being conducted in the U.S. every day, there is hope that someday soon we will find a treatment or cure that will help us move forward in this fight. However, if you do sign up for a clinical trial, know your rights, and don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing yourself to one.