Clinical studies in practice
Step by step explained
How do clinical studies work?
Are you considering taking part in a clinical trial, but would you first like to know exactly what to expect? On this page, we explain step by step how a study works, from registration to follow-up and reimbursement. This way, you can make a well-informed decision with peace of mind.
Step 1: Register as a pioneer
Becoming a pioneer starts with you. You take the first step by registering easily via our “My Pioneer” online application.
You will answer a few short questions about your personal details, health, smoking habits and, if applicable, medication use. This only takes a few minutes and is completely non-binding. If there are any additional questions about your profile, a recruiter may contact you briefly by phone.
After registering, you can immediately sign up for studies. In addition, we will automatically inform you when new studies start that match your profile. You stay in control and decide for yourself which studies you want to participate in by registering online.
Step 2: Sign up for a study and schedule your screening online
Are you interested in a study? Then sign up via the My Pioneer app. Go to “Studies”, select a study for which you are eligible and click “Register”. You will then see the status “Registered” in the top right corner. A recruiter will review your application.
After this review, all approved candidates will receive an email at the same time inviting them to schedule an online appointment for the screening. This can happen at any moment, so be sure to respond quickly, as places are often limited.
During the screening, you will receive clear information about the study and have the opportunity to ask our doctors any questions you may have. Only once everything is clear you will sign the informed consent form. This is followed by a consultation and several medical examinations (such as blood pressure, weight and urine tests).
Within 1 to 1.5 weeks, the medical team reviews your results. A randomisation then takes place. Thanks to an automatic digital randomisation system, every pioneer who has successfully completed the screening has exactly the same chance of being selected. We will then call you with the decision, even if you are not selected.
Step 3: Stay at our research center
Have you been selected and are you still interested? Great. This means you can take part as a pioneer in the study you registered for. In most cases, this involves a stay of several days at our research center in Edegem, including overnight stays.
One day after your arrival, the study medication is administered under the supervision of a doctor or nurse. In some studies, a placebo is also used. A placebo (or dummy medication) helps us draw reliable conclusions about the effects of a new medicine. In many studies, neither you nor the medical team knows whether you receive the study medication or the placebo, ensuring that the results remain as objective as possible.
From that point on, everything is carefully scheduled and your health is closely monitored. Your safety is central at every stage. If any abnormal values are detected at any time, the doctor will discuss this with you immediately and take action if necessary. For this reason, regular checks are carried out and samples such as blood and urine are taken at scheduled times. You can read more about this on our safety page.
In the days that follow, the pace is usually more relaxed, with interim follow-up visits by the medical team. This leaves plenty of time to relax and enjoy some personal time. You can watch TV, read a book, listen to music or get to know the other participants. Studying or working is also possible, as Wi-Fi is available. In addition, all meals are provided for you.
Step 4: Complete your participation and receive your compensation
After your stay at our research center, you may be asked (depending on the study) to return a few more times for short follow-up visits. These ambulatory visits take place at pre-scheduled times at our research center in Edegem. This allows us to continue monitoring your health carefully after your stay.
As the final part of the study, we schedule an end-of-study examination. This is a thorough check-up during which we perform tests and evaluations similar to those carried out during the screening. In this way, we can accurately assess the impact the study has had on your body and safely and clearly conclude your participation.
The reimbursement is processed after the end-of-study examination has been completed. From that point on, the payment process starts, with a maximum payment period of 6 weeks.
As a pioneer, you have made an important contribution to the development of tomorrow’s medicines. If the experience leaves you wanting more, you can usually take part in a new study after a waiting period of at least 30 days.
VIDEO – How does clinical drug research work?
Would you like to know exactly what to expect in advance? Be sure to watch our video. It provides a clear and realistic overview of how a clinical drug study works, step by step.
