For patients and participants
Taking part in clinical research
If you're thinking about taking part in a study —or you just want to understand what it means— this is a good place to start. Here we explain, calmly and in plain words, what clinical research is, what you can expect, and what taking part would be like. Take your time. There's nothing to decide today.
What is clinical research?
Every medicine we use with confidence today began as a question: does this help? is it safe? Clinical research is the careful way of answering those questions, step by step, before a treatment reaches everyone.
A clinical study —also called a clinical trial— is one of those steps. Studies move forward in phases: first in small groups, to study the treatment's safety, and only then in larger groups, to see how well it works. Each phase builds on what was learned in the one before, so nothing is left to chance.
Every study follows a detailed plan, called a protocol, that defines who can take part, what happens at each visit, and how people are protected. Before it begins, that plan is reviewed by independent experts who look out for your safety.
The people who take part are volunteers. And they give something valuable: thanks to them, medicine moves forward, and better options exist for more people in the future.
At Sayo we focus on clinical research: we run studies with rigor and accompany each person who chooses to take part. Your own doctor remains your main support for your health; we work alongside that care, never in its place.
Benefits and risks: what you can and cannot expect
Taking part in a study has possible benefits and possible risks. It's worth understanding both before you decide.
A clinical study evaluates a treatment to confirm how safe and effective it is. It builds on what has already been researched and seeks to answer what still needs confirming. Even so, no treatment works the same in everyone, so your individual result can't be known in advance.
The treatment under study may help you. It may not have the effect that was hoped for. Your response is monitored closely throughout the study, not only at the end, and your wellbeing guides any decision about your participation.
Every study has its own possible risks, such as side effects. The research team explains the study and its risks to you in detail, in writing, before you decide whether to take part. This process is called informed consent.
Taking part is a personal decision, and it isn't a guaranteed treatment for your condition. Many patients take part to contribute to research that may help others in the future. Whatever your reason, you deserve clear information and time to decide at your own pace.
Your rights
Taking part in research is your decision, and you keep your rights at every step. Here are some of the most important.
To decide freely. Taking part is always voluntary. No one can force you, and saying no is a valid answer that no one will question.
To withdraw whenever you want. You can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without having to explain why. Doing so doesn't affect the medical care you normally receive.
To understand before you agree. Before you take part, the team explains the study to you in detail, in writing, and answers all your questions. You only agree once you understand and feel ready. This process is called informed consent.
To know what's involved. You have the right to know the possible benefits and risks, what happens at each visit, and any new information that could affect your decision to continue.
To have your information protected. Your personal data is handled confidentially and in accordance with the law. You can read how it's used and protected in our privacy notice. See privacy notice
To be treated with dignity. You have the right to be treated with respect and answered honestly, in words you understand, at every point in the process.
If something isn't clear, asking is always your right. We're here to answer.
Your safety and who oversees it
Your safety is the first priority of any study. Several layers of oversight exist to protect it.
Before a study begins, an independent ethics committee reviews it. This is an outside group that checks the study is safe and fair for the people who take part. In Mexico it's called a Comité de Ética en Investigación (CEI).
During the study, a medical team follows your health closely. This follow-up is more frequent and more attentive than a routine visit, because research rules require it.
The whole process follows Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Mexican health regulation (COFEPRIS). These are the rules that protect people who take part in research.
You're not on your own at any point in the process. At every step, a team and clear rules support your decision.
How taking part works
Reaching out to Sayo is simple, and it starts with no commitment at all. Here's the process, step by step.
Learn.
Take your time to understand what clinical research is and what taking part means. This page is a good place to start. Ask whatever you need: understanding well is part of the process.
Express interest.
When you feel ready, share your details. Expressing interest isn't enrolling in a study; it's telling us you'd like to know more. You're still free to decide at every step.
We contact you.
Someone from our team will reach out to you personally to get to know you better. If we have a study that might fit your situation, they'll explain it to you calmly. If we don't, we'll keep your interest on file and let you know when a suitable one comes up.
There's no rush and no commitment. The next step is yours to take.
Express interest