Faith, food and family routines during a study

Fasting and prayer

If you fast for religious reasons, some study tests and medicines may need planning. Blood tests, tablets taken with food and visits that run through the day can all be timed around a fast if the team knows early.

The same goes for prayer times and days of rest. Ask for visit slots that leave room for them.

Food rules

Some studies provide food, drinks or supplements, or ask you to eat set meals before a test. If you keep halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan or another diet, ask what is in anything the study gives you.

Gelatin capsules are one example worth asking about. Some medicines and supplements use them, and some people avoid them for religious reasons.

Modesty and privacy

You can ask for a clinician of a particular gender for exams where that is possible, for a chaperone, and for gowns or coverings that respect your modesty.

Family and caring

If you look after children, a parent or another relative, say so. Some teams can offer early or late appointments, and some let you bring a family member along.

• Name the times of day that work for your household.
• Ask whether family can wait with you.
• Ask how long each visit lasts, door to door.

This guide is general information. It is not medical advice, and it does not say whether any study would accept you. Talk to your own doctor about your health.