A caregiver's guide to clinical trials
Searching for a trial for a spouse, parent or child? How to search on their behalf, what consent means, and how to look after yourself too.
7 min read · Informational only, not medical advice.
You're not alone in this
Many people who look for clinical trials are searching for someone else: a husband or wife, a parent, a child, a friend.
Doing this research is a real act of care. It can also feel heavy. This guide walks through the practical parts so you can spend less energy on logistics and more on the person you love.
Searching on someone's behalf
Start with their diagnosis and the area where they could realistically travel, then browse recruiting studies by condition and city.
Keep a simple list of studies that look promising, with the study ID (it starts with NCT) and the contact details. If the person can take part in decisions, look through the list together. It is their health and their choice.
What you can and can't consent to
An adult who can make their own decisions must give their own informed consent. A family member cannot sign them up, even with the best intentions.
If an adult cannot make decisions for themselves, some studies allow a legally authorized representative to give permission. Who counts as that representative depends on state law and the study's rules, so ask the study team.
For a child, a parent or guardian usually gives permission, and children old enough to understand are usually asked for their own agreement, called assent.
Going to screening visits together
Ask the study team whether you can come to the screening visit. Most teams welcome a support person.
Bring a list of current medications, recent test results if you have them, and a notebook. A second set of ears helps, because a lot of information is shared at once.
Questions caregivers should ask
What will my role be during the study? How often are visits, and can I be there? Who do we call if something changes at night or on a weekend? Are travel or parking costs covered? What happens if we decide to stop?
You can ask the same question more than once. A good study team will answer patiently.
Taking care of yourself
Caregiving through a trial can add appointments, paperwork and worry on top of an already full life.
It is okay to ask other family members or friends to share tasks like driving or keeping notes. Your own doctor, a social worker at the study site, or a patient support group for the condition can also help.
A note on privacy
RightFit never asks for your name or your loved one's health details. Your conversation about a specific study is directly with the study team.
This guide is for information only and is not medical or legal advice.
Browse related trials
Quick answers
- Can I sign up my adult family member for a clinical trial?
- An adult who can make their own decisions must give their own informed consent. A family member cannot sign them up, even with the best intentions.
- What if my loved one can't make decisions for themselves?
- If an adult cannot make decisions for themselves, some studies allow a legally authorized representative to give permission. Who counts as that representative depends on state law and the study's rules, so ask the study team.
- Who consents for a child in a clinical trial?
- For a child, a parent or guardian usually gives permission, and children old enough to understand are usually asked for their own agreement, called assent.
- Can I go to the screening visit with them?
- Ask the study team whether you can come to the screening visit. Most teams welcome a support person.
- Where can caregivers get support?
- It is okay to ask other family members or friends to share tasks like driving or keeping notes. Your own doctor, a social worker at the study site, or a patient support group for the condition can also help.
Sources
Ready to look?
Browse recruiting trials