Patients considering a respiratory clinical trial with Lung Research Florida sometimes live outside the United States, and the logistics of international participation raise a distinct set of questions beyond the general eligibility and consent topics covered in our Clinical Trials FAQ. This page addresses the practical questions we hear most often from international participants — visas, travel, trial duration, coordinating with your home physician, language support, and data privacy — so you can have a more informed first conversation with a study coordinator.

Practical Questions for International Participants

Do I need a US visa to participate?

Visa requirements depend on your country of citizenship and the length or frequency of visits required by the specific trial protocol. Some trials involve a single in-person visit; others require multiple visits over weeks or months. Once you are matched to a specific trial, the study coordinator will outline the visit schedule so you and your physician can assess feasibility, including any visa questions — we are not immigration advisors and recommend confirming visa requirements with the relevant US consulate or an immigration attorney.

Can I participate remotely, or do I need to travel to Florida?

This varies by trial and by phase of the study. Some screening and follow-up steps may be possible via telehealth or through a local physician working in coordination with the study team, but most respiratory clinical trials require at least some in-person visits for physical assessments (e.g., spirometry, imaging) that cannot be done remotely. Ask your study coordinator which visits, if any, require your physical presence in Florida.

How long does a trial typically last?

Duration varies significantly by trial and by condition — some run a few weeks, others extend over a year with periodic follow-up visits. There is no single answer; your study coordinator will provide the specific protocol timeline once you are matched to a trial. Our clinical trial phases guide explains how a study's phase relates to its typical length and visit schedule.

What happens if I need to withdraw partway through?

Participation in any clinical trial is voluntary, and this is no different for international participants. You may withdraw at any time, for any reason, without penalty or effect on any other care you receive. Our informed consent guide covers this right in full, including what your study team will discuss with you if you withdraw.

Will my current physician be involved?

Coordination with your existing treating physician — including one practicing outside the US — is generally encouraged, particularly for ongoing conditions like asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or chronic cough. With your permission, our research coordinators can communicate with your physician about your participation, the same as for any participant (see our participant guide). Many trials also request records from your treating physician as part of screening.

Is there a language barrier if English isn't my first language?

Informed consent requires that you fully understand the trial before agreeing to participate. If English is not your first language, raise this with the study team as early as possible — translated materials or interpreter support may be available depending on the trial and your language. This is worth confirming during initial screening, not after enrollment.

What if I'm already taking medication for my condition?

Whether current medications are compatible with a given trial depends entirely on that trial's specific protocol and inclusion/exclusion criteria — this is exactly what the eligibility screening process is designed to determine. Do not stop or change any medication based on interest in a trial; discuss any medication questions with your treating physician and the study team during screening.

How is my privacy and medical data protected as an international participant?

Clinical trials conducted under FDA oversight and ICH-GCP guidelines follow strict confidentiality and data protection standards regardless of a participant's country of residence. Specific data handling and privacy terms are detailed in the informed consent document provided before you agree to participate — read this carefully and ask questions before signing.

Who do I contact with questions before I decide to apply?

Call our research line at 954-520-7296 x1 to speak with a research coordinator, or complete the online eligibility form and we'll follow up. There is no obligation and no cost for this initial conversation, and it doesn't commit you to anything.

Still Deciding?

For general questions about safety, compensation, and the trial process not specific to international participation, see our full Clinical Trials FAQ. If you're weighing whether a trial fits your situation at all, our guide on Is a Clinical Trial Right for Me? walks through that decision, and our participant guide and compensation explainer cover what happens after you reach out and how time/travel reimbursement typically works.

Important Disclosures

This page is provided for general informational purposes to help prospective participants think through their decision and does not constitute medical advice. All studies are reviewed and approved by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB) and are conducted in compliance with ICH-GCP (Good Clinical Practice) guidelines and applicable FDA regulations. Clinical trials are investigational research studies; participation does not guarantee any therapeutic benefit. Participation is completely voluntary. Please consult your physician to determine whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for your individual situation.