This week is Volunteers Week and we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the vital role of volunteers in clinical trials.
Every year, from the 1st-7th June, Volunteers Week takes place to celebrate the fantastic contribution volunteers make to communities and say thank you, highlighting that there are many ways to volunteer and to be the change we want to see in the world.
All of us here at MAC Clinical Research want to recognise the invaluable contribution of individuals who participate in clinical trials. These dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in advancing medical research, improving treatments, and ultimately saving lives. To put it simply, without clinical trial volunteers, there would be no new or improved medical treatments.
From 2021 to 2022, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) reported that around 1.3 million participants took part in clinical trials in England.
Through clinical trials, the healthcare industry is able to develop new healthcare treatments and therapies. Volunteers willingly offer their time and participation to help researchers gather essential data on a study medication. By doing so, they play a pivotal role in advancing medical research. Clinical trials provide scientists and medical professionals with the opportunity to test the safety and effectiveness of new medications, medical devices, or treatment methods. Volunteers help ensure that these innovations are thoroughly evaluated, contributing to the development of breakthrough treatments for various conditions and diseases.
Clinical trials are held to very high safety and ethical standards. Rigorous screening processes are in place to ensure every volunteers’ well-being and to minimise potential risks. MAC is continuously monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an executive agency of the Department of Health responsible for the regulation of medicines and medical devices.
By participating in clinical trials, volunteers help to establish the safety profile of investigational treatments, ultimately safeguarding future patients, as well as testing the efficacy of medications in treating the symptoms of disease. Their involvement ensures that medical advancements are thoroughly scrutinised and meet strict regulatory guidelines.
The unsung heroes who volunteer for clinical trials play a pivotal role in driving medical progress, improving treatment options, and upholding safety standards. Let’s celebrate and express our deepest gratitude to these incredible volunteers, whose dedication and compassion empower medical breakthroughs and bring hope to countless lives.
If you want to play your part in helping to advance healthcare and register your interest in a MAC clinical trial this Volunteers Week, visit our current studies page to find out more. Depending on the individual study you will often receive a payment. Whether the study offers payment or not, taking part in a trial is always free and we will either provide transport or reimburse your travel costs in full.
