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8 - Understanding and Restraining Study Costs

from Part II - Rethinking Research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2025

Karen B. Schmaling  and
Robert M. Kaplan
Karen B. Schmaling
Affiliation:
Washington State University
Robert M. Kaplan
Affiliation:
Stanford University
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Summary

Clinical research is expensive: In 2024, the US National Institutes of Health will spend about $49 billion on research projects. Requesting sufficient resources to conduct a high-quality investigation must be balanced against a desire to use public funds prudently. Most studies are underbudgeted. In addition to funds for study personnel and the costs of evaluation and treatment, there may be costs associated with regulatory and scientific oversight, such as a research ethics committee, community advisory boards, information technology, study registration, and funds for study dissemination. Clinical research is a heterogeneous enterprise that usually requires personnel with a range of complementary expertise. This chapter offers guidance on constructing realistic budgets. In addition, we address the complicated issue of paying study participants, which raises important ethical issues. It is important to compensate participants for their time and discomfort. We review models on which to base participant compensation.

Keywords

budgetscostsparticipant paymentresearch wastereturn on investment
Type
Chapter
Information
Rethinking Clinical Research
Methodology and Ethics
 , pp. 160 - 176
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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