How to join a clinical trial in Canada
Finding a study
Most trials are registered on public databases. ClinicalTrials.gov, run by the US National Library of Medicine, lists studies from around the world, including many with sites in Canada. Health Canada also publishes a Clinical Trials Database listing authorised drug trials. This site groups chronic pain trials with Canadian sites by province, city and condition, and links every record to ClinicalTrials.gov.
Recruiting status changes often. A study listed as recruiting may have closed, and the registry is the best place to check the current status and contacts.
Reading eligibility criteria
Each study lists inclusion criteria (who can take part) and exclusion criteria (who cannot). Common criteria include age, the type and duration of pain, other health conditions, current medicines and the ability to attend visits. Criteria protect participants and help the study answer its question. Meeting the listed criteria does not guarantee a place.
The usual enrolment steps
The process varies by study, but often follows these steps.
- Contact: you or your clinician contact the study team using the details on the registry record.
- Pre-screening: a short conversation or questionnaire to check basic eligibility.
- Informed consent: the team explains the study in detail and gives you a consent form to read and discuss.
- Screening visit: tests, questionnaires or a medical review to confirm eligibility.
- Enrolment: if eligible and you agree, you are enrolled and may be assigned to a study group.
- Study visits and follow-up: as described in the consent form.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team must explain the purpose of the study, what you will be asked to do, possible risks and benefits, alternatives, how your information will be protected, and your right to withdraw at any time without affecting your usual care. You can take the form home, ask questions and talk it over with family or your clinician. In Canada, research involving people is reviewed by a research ethics board, and drug trials are also authorised by Health Canada.
Questions people often ask the study team
- What is the study trying to find out, and what phase is it?
- Could I receive a placebo, and how are groups assigned?
- How many visits are there, how long do they take, and can any be done remotely?
- Will I need to stop or change any current treatment?
- Are travel or parking costs reimbursed?
- Who do I contact if I have a problem during the study?
- Will I be told the results when the study ends?
Talking to your own clinician
Your family doctor or specialist knows your health history and can help you think about whether a study fits your situation. The study team may also ask permission to contact them. Let your care team know if you join a trial.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chronic pain clinical trials enrollment process?
Usually: find a study on a registry, contact the study team, complete pre-screening, review and sign informed consent, attend a screening visit, and then enrol if eligible. Each study describes its own steps.
Can I leave a trial after joining?
Yes. Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time. The consent form explains how withdrawal works for that study.
Are chronic pain trials in Canada paid?
Some studies reimburse expenses such as travel or parking, and some offer compensation for time. This varies and is described in the consent form.
Where can I check if a study is still recruiting?
Check the study's record on ClinicalTrials.gov and contact the listed study team. Status on this site reflects an October 2026 snapshot.
Sources
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Learn about clinical studies(opens in a new tab)
- Health Canada Clinical Trials Database(opens in a new tab)
- Health Canada: Clinical trials and drug safety(opens in a new tab)
- Tri-Council Policy Statement on research ethics (TCPS 2)(opens in a new tab)
Written by the Chronic Pain Canada editorial team from the sources listed. Last updated October 2026.