Who Should Be Compensating Clinical Trial Participants?

By KimberLee Heidmann

In clinical trials, payments are not just a logistical detail—they are a cornerstone of trust, efficiency, and participant experience. While site-managed payments promise sensitivity to participant needs, the reality often strains overstretched site staff, leading to delays, errors, and eroded trust. This compromises retention, damages site-sponsor relationships, and jeopardizes trial success.

External payment partners offer a vital solution by ensuring timely and transparent compensation, allowing sites to focus on care and research. Yet, fair market value models and historical benchmarks alone cannot capture the full range of participant realities, especially across global trials. True success demands a holistic approach: addressing financial concerns while also being culturally sensitive and aware of local norms and varying approaches to standard of care. Thoughtful payment systems, supported by collaboration among sponsors, sites, and providers, strengthen relationships, protect trial integrity, and honor the vital contributions of participants. In today’s research landscape, holistic, participant-first payment strategies are not optional—they are essential to building a future where clinical trials can thrive.