FAQs

Each study is unique and the frequency and duration of the visits will vary. Our patient enquiries team will be happy to advise you about the visit schedule for our studies before you decide whether you would like to take part. A typical study will have between 5 and 10 visits, the duration of these visits can be from 30 minutes to 5 hours however some longer visits are possible.

Under the rules that govern the industry, every clinical trial has its own patient information sheet. This detailed document will tell you about the reason for conducting the trial, the possible health benefits, and the possible side effects along with details of the visit schedules. You will be able to read this information in the comfort of your own home before you decide if you would like to participate.

Your decision to participate is always voluntary and you can change your mind at any stage of the study should you so wish. If you have reached a point in the trial where you have been given a study medication we may ask you to attend a final follow up appointment, just to check that all is well.

The well being of our patients is always our primary concern. MAC work to a set of internationally adopted safety and quality guidelines called Good Clinical Practice (GCP). These guidelines ensure that all clinical trials are designed and conducted in a unified manner so that they are both ethically and scientifically sound. Good Clinical Practice ensures that the rights and wellbeing of patients are protected and that the results of the clinical trials are accurate and credible.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is a government agency of the Department of Health. The MHRA's mission is to enhance and safeguard the health of the public by ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. All clinical trials must be submitted to the MHRA for approval before they can be conducted. We are regulated and routinely inspected by the MHRA.

Once agreed by the MHRA, all clinical trials are submitted to an Independent Ethics Committee for approval. These Committees comprise a cross section of independent medical professionals as well as members of the public. The role of the committee is to look at every element of the clinical trial through the eyes of a patient, to ensure that the patient is given the correct information to make an informed decision about participation.

As with any medicines, there are risks of side-effects but typically the reported side effects are mild and affect only a small percentage of people. Before you join a study our Doctors will provide you with details of previously reported side effects. Full details will also by clearly explained in the patient information sheet. If you participate in one of our studies you will be closely monitored by our experienced medical teams and you will have regular check-ups to ensure your wellbeing.

In certain circumstances (such as patients with dementia) the decision to participate in research will be made or influenced by a family member or care giver. We fully appreciate the sensitive nature of such a decision. You can be assured that our teams will fully support you throughout the process with compassion and respect.  Please contact our Volunteer Services team should you have any questions.