Frequently Asked Questions
A decentralized trial (DCT) is a clinical research trial where technology is used to collect study related data and communicate with participants. A benefit of our decentralized trial model is that study related visits can take place from the comfort of your home via tele-medicine visits and our team can work around your personal and work schedules.
Time commitments will be different for each trial. Specific information about time commitment will be provided to you by or team prior to your consenting for a particular study.
At VRG, your comfort, safety, and experience matter. We take a uniquely patient-centric approach to decentralized clinical trials. Our decentralized clinical trials are designed to make participation easier and more convenient for patients.
While many decentralized models focus solely on remote technology, we go a step further—pairing digital tools with dedicated human support - prioritizing the patient experience. We design out studies with feedback from real patients and constantly look for way to improve.
Participating in a clinical trial gives you access to study-related medical care at no cost, helps you learn more about your condition, and allows you to contribute to life-changing medical advancements. By joining, you’re not only taking an active role in your health but also helping bring new treatments, vaccines, and devices to those who need them.
Clinical trials have specific requirements based on factors like age, gender, medical history, and health status. A pre-screening process will help determine if you qualify. If you don’t qualify for one trial, you might be eligible for another—and there are always new studies becoming available.
Participants do not have to pay, nor do they need insurance to participate in a decentralized trial. All trial-related supplies are provided at no cost and some trials even offer compensation for your participation.
Each of our trials may compensate differently, however, all our trials compensate you for your time. Specific information about compensation will be provided to you by our team prior to your consenting for a particular study.
A typical research study begins with a clear question about a medical treatment, drug, or device. A study plan is designed, following strict guidelines and obtaining approval from regulatory bodies. Participants are then recruited, and data is collected through clinical trials. The results are analyzed to determine safety and effectiveness. Finally, findings are reported to regulatory agencies and sponsors to help bring new treatments to patients.
Joining a clinical trial comes with some risks, like potential side effects from treatments or placebos. You may also need to attend in-person visits and undergo regular check-ups. Before you decide, the study team will explain all possible risks during the informed consent process, and your health will be closely monitored to keep you safe throughout the process.
Informed consent is the process of learning key details about a clinical trial before deciding whether to participate. It includes reviewing a document that explains the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits.
The study team will go over this information, answer any questions, and ensure you understand before you sign. Even after giving consent, participation is always voluntary, and you can leave the study at any time.
Virtual Research Group takes data security seriously. Your personal data is confidential and securely stored to protect your identity. Prior to enrolling in a study, we discuss any information that will be collected and how it will be processed.
We never share your personal information. Once you join a trial at Virtual Research Group, you will be assigned a unique participant number to make sure you cannot be identified from your data. Only appropriate study personnel will be capable of matching you to this participant number.
Your confidentiality will always be maintained and published study results will never identify you.
Our medical team is available 24/7 to support you if you have any issues or questions during the study.