How To Structure Your Participant Payment - 7 Best Practices

The financial burden of clinical trial participation remains a significant barrier for many patients. To address these challenges, industry leaders are rethinking participant payment structures, emphasizing fair reimbursement, tax considerations, and global regulatory compliance. A key principle in participant payments is ensuring reimbursement for all trial-related expenses. Contrary to common concerns, IRBs encourage payments tied to participant burden rather than viewing them as undue influence. However, structuring payments correctly is crucial—stipends, which are taxable, can create financial barriers, while reimbursements remain tax-exempt and facilitate equitable participation.

This article explores the idea that sponsors should move beyond one-size-fits-all stipends, to flexible, real-time reimbursement models that better reflect actual expenses and prevent financial strain. Additionally, historical payment benchmarks are inadequate for setting fair market value; real-world pricing data should guide reimbursement decisions. Payment methods also play a critical role in participant experience. By adopting a standardized yet adaptable approach to participant payments, sponsors can remove financial barriers, enhance recruitment, and ensure equitable access to clinical trials, ultimately driving more efficient and inclusive research.