A Deep Dive Into Clinical Trial Payment Types, Methods, And Amounts: Part 2

By Sam Whitaker, Founder and CEO of Mural Health, and Kelly Fitzgerald, IRB Executive Chair and Vice President, IBC Affairs, WCG

In February 2025, WCG and Mural Health launched a joint webinar to address ongoing uncertainty surrounding payments to clinical research participants—especially in light of evolving ethical, regulatory, and operational considerations. In response to high interest, a blog series was developed to explore key themes in depth, with particular focus on the role of participant compensation, its implications for study sites, and best practices in payment logistics. The series also explores payment methods—favoring digital, flexible, and fee-free options—and outlines how to address extra visits, caregiving costs, and merchandise alternatives. Together, these insights promote participant trust, trial accessibility, and financial fairness.