“It’s time! I am participating in a clinical study. This marks the beginning of my adventure with Johnson & Johnson CPU.” 

Read here the story of Tom, 28 years old and a volunteer for clinical studies.  

I am Tom, 28 years old, and I live in Ghent. In my daily life, I work as a security agent. I mainly work morning and evening shifts, but occasionally also night shifts.  

So I have no professional connection to the scientific world, but Facebook ads about clinical studies do catch my attention. I’m the curious type who clicks on them and then searches for more information on the website.  

The CPU website clearly explains what clinical research entails, and on the page with the various studies, you get a clear overview of the ongoing research and the diseases or viruses being studied.

Admittedly, I am not a perpetual doubter. Once I’m convinced of the professionalism and safety, I go for it.  

Especially because I know that by participating in clinical studies, I also contribute to society. Studies with healthy volunteers are part of the research process to bring medicines to the market. Patients around the world have a vested interest in volunteers participating in these kinds of studies.  

And last but not least, I also enjoy earning some extra money. This way, I can treat myself to a new game console! 

Simple registration

So I decide to participate and register on the website. Personally, I find it great that you can choose which study you want to join. There is the study for the coronavirus vaccine, but also a study for medication against Alzheimer’s. This affects me deeply because my grandfather has Alzheimer’s, and I know the impact it has on our family. So I decide to sign up for this.  

In this study, I will stay a bit longer at the research centre and won’t have to come back frequently. This saves me some travel time between Ghent and Antwerp. By the way, all travel costs are reimbursed for volunteers.  

As a tip, I recommend placing your personal agenda alongside the study schedule. This can easily be found on the website, so you can check whether you can be present at all the requested times.  

In my case, I need to see if my morning shifts don’t overlap with specific screening moments. The length of the stay also determines the compensation, as the longer you have to stay, the higher the reimbursement.  

 

Phone contact

After registering, I am called by Kevin from the CPU. He is one of the staff members who reviews the medical evaluation form with me. This happens as a standard procedure for every registration. Fortunately, my BMI is not too high, I have had no serious illnesses in the past, and I am not currently taking any special medication. So I immediately get an appointment for the screening, during which I will undergo a medical examination.