10 Apr Walking the fine line between fairness and inducement when compensating participants

By Steffi Leung Newell, ACRP

Long-standing concerns over if, when, and how to compensate clinical trial participants for the time and effort they put into studies are akin to a “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” dilemma for many research practitioners. 

Setting aside the budgeting details involved in remuneration, the ethical issues raised often prompt clinical trial team members to ponder whether it’s a good idea to encourage patients to volunteer upfront by offering minor stipends, selective reimbursements, or outright significant payments for their participation. Or, should those who stay involved for the duration instead be rewarded for their time and effort, but only after the study is closed? Is that unfair to those who had to drop out for whatever reason? Read more…