Volunteers’ Stories
David
Why did you decide to take part in clinical trials?
I found out about clinical trials over the internet by researching what trials were available. I had spare time on my hands so I thought I would take the opportunity to get some extra money and meet new people. Another reason for taking part in the clinical trial was to help out with the research.
What do you do during your day?
During my day I have plenty of time to relax and do my own thing. Somewhere between visiting the doctors and nurses I have a lot of spare time where I can watch TV, catch up on sleep, play pool or contact friends and family from home over the internet.
Have you taken part in trials before?
I have taken part in trials before and this is my fourth one.
What are the advantages of taking part in a trial?
The advantages for me of taking part in a trial are that you are able to meet new people. You would be surprised, but I have made friends for life by taking part in these clinical trials. The people you meet are all lovely and good characters. The environment is also very relaxing and takes all the stress away from any problems I have outside the trial.
Simon
Why did you decide to take part in clinical trials?
I had been emailed about taking part in clinical trials and the opportunity came up to earn a bit of extra money. It also gave me the chance to contribute to research. I had a lot of spare time on my hands, so I took the chance to do something rewarding.
What do you do during your day?
During my day whilst I’m on the clinical trial I read a lot of newspapers to find out what’s going on outside in the real world. I am able to watch plenty of films and I go on the internet to check my emails. I also get to drink plenty of hot drinks and coffee.
Have you taken part in trials before?
I have taken part in a few trials before and this is my fourth trial so I have a good idea of what has to be done during the trial. My first trial was eight years ago in 2003, I then did two trials in 2010.
What are the advantages of taking part in a trial?
The advantages of taking part in a trial are meeting nice volunteers and helpful staff members. The facilities available to you are very comfortable and the environment around me is very nice.
Chris
Why did you decide to take part in clinical trials?
I decided to take part in clinical trials at Quintiles because it gives me plenty of relaxing time away from my daily life of having to go to work, see family and friends and just gives me a general break. It’s almost like having a holiday and being able to raise money at the same time.
What do you do during your day?
During my day when I am on a trial I have a lot of free time to myself. I do lots of reading as I enjoy books and I like to write, so I get the chance to do that too. I listen to the radio a lot and watch TV. All the other volunteers are very friendly, so I find myself doing a lot of talking.
Have you taken part in trials before?
Yes I have taken part in studies before. Not with Quintiles but with other drug researching companies. It was a very long time ago in Edinburgh in 2003.
What are the advantages of taking part in a trial?
The advantages of taking part in a clinical trial is that it gives you time to relax with nothing to worry about. The food is okay and everyone around you is very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is very chilled and relaxing. It also gives you the chance to meet new people.
Peter
Why did you decide to take part in clinical trials?
The only reason I decided to take part in the trial was for the money. I am currently a university student and need the money for university fees and also for my own leisure time so I can go on holidays and enjoy spending time with my friends.
What do you do during your day?
During my normal day I have to visit the nurse and doctors sometimes, I do a lot of eating and sleeping. I tend to listen to music and watch TV when I’m not studying for my university exams.
Have you taken part in trials before?
This is my first time taking part in a trial so everything is very new to me, at first things were pretty scary but I’m settling in now that I’ve been here a few days.
What are the advantages of taking part in a trial?
The advantages of taking part in a trial are the lovely and friendly staff that are always there to help you and talk to you. They have also made a lot of effort with the entertainment available to you, there’s a PlayStation and an Xbox to use it’s just like being at home! There is also plenty of time to relax and watch plenty of movies.
Jamie
Why did you decide to take part in clinical trials?
I decided to take part in clinical trials because it was a convenient way of getting quick money to spend on going on holiday and enjoying myself outside of university. It is also ideal for university students that have time to take part in trials around their study time.
What do you do during your day?
During a normal day in the clinic I’m regularly being dosed with different medicines and having blood taken. I am a university student so I have plenty of extra time to study. There are lots of computers to chat to friends and family on and they can also be used to do my work on as well. I sometimes watch TV and listen to music after I’ve done all my university work.
Have you taken part in trials before?
I have taken part in trials before but have tried a couple of times and my blood count wasn’t what the trial was looking for so unfortunately didn’t manage to pass my screening.
What are the advantages of taking part in a trial?
The advantages to taking part in a trial are definitely the money. It is very chilled and relaxed. It’s not very stressful and you have plenty of time to do your own thing and just relax. It’s also nice to get away from a normal day at university. It helps you to get into a good routine. It can also save you money because your expenses are paid for you.

