- GMRI
Research as a care option
Today, the need for more options is apparent. People are over-worked, under paid, don't have insurance etc.
I have worked in clinical research for over 10 years. I really enjoy what I do. So much so that I opened my own research site right in Vermont. Through research I have seen people do really well on new medications, have their lives turned around and then seen those medications get approved for the public and help so many more. Its honestly such a cool feeling to be a part of something so huge and make a real difference. Research is the heart and soul of science and without it, we stop advancing. It is necessary to continue going forward.
The challenges of expanding patient access to trials, as someone running a study, can be frustrating. It is definitely one of my least favorite parts of the job. Specifically:
the overall difficulty of having physicians advocate research to their patients
limitations of clinics sending medical records of participants who are actually interested
the perceived demands and complexity of research to participants
So why exactly are these barriers so high? Why do so many people shrug off research and not see it as a viable option. I want to help break the stigma that surrounds clinical trials, get more people the help that they need, and continue making strides in the right direction for science. Lets look at some facts.
It is strongly believed that patients enrolled in clinical trials have:
improved outcomes regarding their diagnosis'
cost of care is reduced
trial patients are generally amongst the most happy and satisfied patients due to the level of attention they receive
In fact, there was actual studies done on this information that proved the following:
A substantial reduction of cost of care to patients during their trial participation (for some patient populations, the reduction in cost of care was estimated to be $8,000 or $9,000 per patient). This is because during trial participation, investigational medications or products, screening tests, medical supplies, and diagnostic procedures (like MRI's etc) are provided at no cost to the patient.
Improved patient outcomes, driven by enhanced patient education and compliance by study staff. Notably, we also saw lowered readmission rates within certain high-risk patient populations. This is because we pay close attention and don't want people to back-track.
Improved patient satisfaction. In research, The Investigators/Doctors have less patients to deal with and therefore are able to offer more personalized appointments.
When you think about it, it makes sense. Consider a patient who has diabetes, for example. Through clinical trial participation, those patients are interacting with a Doctor who is looking very closely for changes, and who specializes in this disease. They are getting more education about their condition, & they would get supplies and medication for their diabetic care, it's free, and we get necessary data to move forward with new treatments, devices, or even more information on the diagnosis itself. This translates to huge value to individuals and to the healthcare system.
Many people might believe that studies aren't safe. The reality is that these studies go through a strict approval process and don't even get to be tested on humans until we know it's very unlikely to cause serious harm. At the end of the day, we are healthcare providers, and our patient's safety is always our top priority, just like a regular Doctors office. Not everyone qualifies for a trial either. Participants go through a rigorous screening to ensure they're a good fit for the study, that includes making sure that participant health won't be at risk.
It's time to start looking at Clinical Research as a real care option.
Check out some research patient stories from GreaterGift
Find out if you qualify for one of our trials here or call (802) 855-8407
Currently enrolling volunteers for:
Diabetes, COPD, Hypogonadism, Depression, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's
If qualified, participants are seen by board certified physicians and expert team, and receive study medication at no cost, no insurance required.