|
Compensation
Payment to research subjects
It is not uncommon for subjects to be paid for their participation in
research. Payment to research subjects for participation in
studies is not considered a benefit, it is a recruitment incentive.
Financial incentives are often used when health or other benefits to
subjects are remote or non-existent. The amount and schedule of all
payments should be presented to the IRB at the time of initial review.
The IRB will review both the amount of payment and the proposed method
and timing of disbursement to assure that neither are coercive or
present undue influence.
Any credit for payment should accrue as the study progresses and not
be contingent upon the subject completing the entire study. Unless it
creates undue inconvenience or a coercive practice, payment to subjects
who withdraw from the study may be made at the time they would have
completed the study (or completed a phase of the study) had they not
withdrawn. For example, in a study lasting only a few days, it is
permissible to use a single payment date at the end of the study; even
for subjects who have withdrawn before that date.
While the entire payment should not be contingent upon completion of
the entire study; payment of a small proportion as an incentive for
completion of the study is acceptable, providing that such incentive is
not coercive. The IRB will determine that the amount paid as a bonus for
completion is reasonable and not so large as to unduly induce subjects
to stay in the study when they would otherwise have withdrawn. All
information concerning payment, including the amount and schedule of
payment(s), should be set forth in the informed consent document.
|
