5 reasons why participants say: “I would do it again''
What do you think about that?
Taking part in clinical trials raises questions and doubts for many people. Is it safe? What does it feel like? And will it fit into my life?
We asked our participants about their experiences. What stands out: people who have taken part at ICON often look back on it positively. In fact, many participants say they would happily do it again.
Why is that? Below are the five reasons participants mention most often after completing a clinical trial.
1. You are taken seriously and well supported
A common concern is the fear of being “just a number.” In practice, participants at ICON experience the opposite. From the very first contact, they receive personal guidance from doctors, research nurses, and other ICON professionals.
Time is taken to explain everything clearly, answer questions, and check how you are doing. During the trial, participants know exactly what is happening and why. That clarity creates calm and confidence.
Many participants say afterwards that they felt safe and truly listened to at ICON and that this made a big difference.
The staff are very professional and caring, so I felt I was in good hands. That was true throughout the entire period.
2. It is less nerve-racking than expected
Beforehand, thoughts can run in all directions. People imagine complicated procedures or uncomfortable situations. Afterwards, we often hear:
“If I had known this, I would have signed up sooner.”
In reality, participation at ICON is usually structured, calm, and predictable. Trials are well organised and safety always comes first. Because everything is explained clearly in advance, participants know what to expect.
That clarity helps initial nerves quickly give way to trust.
This was my first clinical trial. Although I was nervous at first, I was quickly reassured upon arrival and felt at ease.
3. You contribute to better healthcare for others
An important motivation participants mention is the feeling of contributing to something meaningful. Without participants, developing new medicines simply wouldn’t be possible. By taking part, you help make treatments available that may improve the lives of others in the future.
That awareness gives participation extra meaning. Many people like the idea of not only doing something for themselves, but also contributing to society. Afterwards, they often feel proud: “I really helped make this possible.”
4. Participation fits better into daily life than expected
Another surprise for many participants is how manageable participation in a clinical trial is alongside everyday life. Of course, this varies per trial, but expectations are always communicated clearly in advance.
Because you know exactly what’s involved, you can plan accordingly. Many people find this clear and manageable, which makes participation feel less disruptive than they initially expected.
I always enjoy going to Icon. We've been lucky with this study too, with a great group of people. We have a busy schedule, but it's perfectly manageable. I have a busy job, and I see participating in a clinical trial at Icon as a place to relax and do something good. It's a win-win situation on many fronts.
5. Compensation for time and effort
The compensation is intended to acknowledge the time and commitment required. Many participants say they use it for something tangible such as a holiday or weekend away, a larger purchase, or simply to create a bit of extra financial breathing room.
“I would do it again”
What all these reasons have in common is trust: trust in the trial, in the people guiding it, and in the process as a whole. That trust is why participants often say they would take part again at ICON, and many of them do.
Having doubts beforehand is completely normal. But for many participants, the experience turns out to be more positive, calmer, and more meaningful than expected.
In 2025, 61% of participants had taken part before, while 39% were participating for the first time.
Curious whether participation is right for you?
On the ICON website, you will find current clinical trials and detailed information about taking part. Signing up always starts with no-obligation information, only after that do you decide whether you want to participate.
