To take part in clinical trials?

[onfiree]

I’m currently off sick from work due to stress after my manager sexually harassed me and my complaint was not investigated and he retaliated against me. It’s been really stressful and my pay has been reduced. My employer has been really hostile such as contacting me daily since I’ve been off sick and trying to instigate disciplinary action against me, which is making me anxious. It’s quite overwhelming. I’m finding it difficult to job search because of how low my confidence is.

So as an interim measure to pay my bills, I was considering signing up to paid clinical trials like flu camp which may require overnight stays for a couple of weeks and testing essentially experimental medication. I could get paid around £2-4k for this, which would get me through the next few months. Aibu to consider this?

I would say go for it, although there are often very strict health restrictions. You will also pay tax on the money, if you are over the tax threshold.

I probably wouldn’t because I’m not desperate for money, but I can see why you might. That said though, any big clinical trial will have very tight screening criteria (I work in clinical research). My guess is that based on what you’ve said, you may not be an appropriate candidate due to concerns about your mental health. That’s not to say there is something ‘wrong’ with you, but someone who is on sick leave due to stress will very likely be too high risk to safely take part.

Have you seen your GP for your stress and anxiety? This alone is likely to be an exclusion criteria. Check first.

I’m not sure if they’d let you take part given you are off sick already tbh. Kindly I think possibly you are grasping at straws. It’s an adrenaline response. I think you need to take a step back, breathe and come up with a workable plan.

What do you do? Do you have union support? Have you spoken to Gp?

Yes my GP is aware as they’ve provided the fit notes. I don’t have any diagnosed mental health conditions or medications, it’s just noted as work related stress due to the harassment

I definitely am grasping at straws. I do have union support but things are moving at a snail’s pace and may take months to resolve, and I can’t afford that immediate hit to my income. I think I’d move towards an employment tribunal though that could take years for a resolution. In the meantime, having funds to cover my reduced income will take a weight off and help me look for work. Just feels like one thing after another

@onfiree I think you need to understand that stress impairs your immune system...theres a risk that doing a trial like a flu camp could actually impact on your health which is not worth any amount of money (speaking as someone who can't work due to illness!)

I understand, but I’m otherwise fit, healthy and young so almost think I could take my chances. I took part in a clinical trial a couple of years ago at university and had a good overall experience (I appreciate my circumstances are different now)

I would think very carefully. Some people get very ill from ‘flu. I had a virus that turned in pneumonia a few years ago and was basically immobile for 2
months.

Years ago I had a flatmate who was a nurse at a major teaching hospital. They had a medical student die on her ward after taking part in a trial. It’s rare but not risk free.

Thanks everyone. I had a chat with a clinic today, and they mentioned I’d need to go on contraception again first. So I’d need to sort that first before being eligible.

Go for it!
You also need a longer term plan re return to work. For instance, occupational health referral, grievance, tribunal and/or another job.

It’s crazy that Huw Edward’s was suspended on full pay for his sexual crimes yet OP as the victim of sexual assault by her employer has had her pay reduced to the extent she is looking at medical trials on her body.

The world is a fucked place.

I hope you get justice, OP.