How to Answer: What are your thoughts regarding people who become participants in a clinical trial but leave before the trial ends?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Parexel job interview.
2. What are your thoughts regarding people who become participants in a clinical trial but leave before the trial ends?
How to Answer
Participants can typically quit a clinical trial at any time for any reason, so it's something that you will experience at Parexel. The interviewer would like to learn more about your experience with this situation and to understand your views on participants who commit to a clinical trial, then withdraw for one reason or another. Give your thoughts on the topic without being overly negative or critical.
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"All participants are given the choice to withdraw during any stage of the process, and that is their right. Without knowing why a participant chooses to leave a trial, it would be difficult to say exactly how I feel about their exiting the trial. Some people become ill or cannot take the effects of the treatment and are forced to leave, while others simply change their minds for personal reasons. At the end of the day, it's my responsibility to inform them of the risk and benefits upfront so they can make an informed decision."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I have experienced participants dropping out of clinical trials before. I typically have a conversation with them to better understand their reason for withdrawing and see how I can support them. Sometimes, they have such adverse reactions to the drug they are unable to continue, which is very understandable. I have seen others whose disease was progressing rapidly, and they chose to withdraw to spend their remaining days with family. If it's something I can help with, for example, lack of transportation, I try to provide resources so they can continue the trial. Ultimately, it's the participant's decision to continue or withdraw, and they have to do what's best for them. Though it can be frustrating, I always remain compassionate, respectful, and professional, whatever decision they make."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023