Case study: Research manager’s experience of being a research participant on COVID-19 antiviral trial

“I have worked in research for over 20 years and this is the fourth study I have taken part in as a participant. When I phoned my manager to say I had tested positive for COVID-19 I discussed taking part as I knew about PANORAMIC through work. My husband and son also tested positive around the same time but unfortunately they were not eligible to take part. 

“I visited www.panoramictrial.org and screened on the website, someone from the study team then phoned me up and we did the eligibility online. I was randomised to the molnupiravir arm of the study and the medication arrived the next day. 

“I also had to complete an online questionnaire every day for one month, some questions were yes/no and some were scores. I was able to do this on my mobile phone and it was really easy using the link the study team sent me. 

“My sister-in-law also tested positive at the same time as me and she also took part in the study so I also felt like I helped to promote the study to friends and family as well. 

“PANORAMIC is an easy study to take part in, it was easy to sign up and it is very straightforward and is only an initial one month commitment, with a follow up call from the study team at three and six months” 

“Because I work in health and care research, I am aware of all the studies taking place and the global impact of research. Any opportunity to find out more about how treatments work and contribute to the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 has to be a good opportunity. 

“It was important for me to contribute to the greater body of knowledge, in a study I was able to take part in.”