It is not uncommon for research subjects to be offered compensation to participate in research trials. The issue of paying volunteers is sensitive in that it may raise the question of coercion or undue influence. An agreement to participate in a research project must be freely given, therefore true informed consent must be free of coercion and undue influence.
Regulations are also very specific regarding risk to benefit ratio.
Particular care must be taken to ensure that the compensation is appropriate and warranted. When subject selection is drawn from vulnerable populations, such as those that are economically disadvantaged, this issue becomes critical. It is the responsibility of the IRB to consider the amount of the compensation, the method of payment and the timing of the disbursements, as outlined in the informed consent, at the time of the initial review to determine that the project is free of coercion or undue influence. Financial incentives are often used in the early phases of investigational drug, biologic or device development or when the benefit to subjects is remote or non-existent. The total amount and the schedule of payments must be clearly spelled out in the informed consent.