Charging of Research Participants

(A) Charging for Participation in Research Studies

According to MOH’s latest guidance, research participants should not bear any costs that arise solely from their involvement in a research study. 

 Only routine costs — those incurred regardless of participation (e.g. attendance at a workshop that requires a registration fee) —may be charged.

(1) Research Cost

Costs for procedures, tests, visits, or resources conducted solely for research purposes must be paid by the researcher or sponsor.

 Any additional procedures performed solely for the research built on top of routine care, programs and activities, are also considered research activities and should not be charged to the research subjects.

 Examples:

  • Drawing extra or independent blood samples for genomic sequencing unrelated to the patient's clinical condition.
  • Genetic sequencing solely for the study.
  • A second or independent MRI or CT scan ordered for research evaluation, beyond those needed for standard care.
  • Purchase of tablets for a digital literacy intervention study.
  • Hiring an external video coder to review interviews for qualitative analysis.
  • Use of wearable devices (e.g., fitness trackers) distributed for a behavioral study.
  • Installing smart home devices to gather data for AI modeling of elderly care patterns.
  • Conducting extra memory or reaction time tests that are not part of routine care.

 (2) Routine Cost

Cost of standard care, programs or activities not related to the research. These may be billed to participants as usual.

Examples:

  • A patient with hypertension receiving their regular blood pressure monitoring and prescription medications.
  • A child’s regular school eye screening examination during a school-based visual health study.
  • Participation in typical classroom lessons while researchers observe natural interactions.
  • Participants attending usual therapy sessions as part of a prescribed care plan.
  • Households with pre-existing internet connections being studied for digital behavior trends.

(B) Charging for Adverse Events. 

Adverse events (AEs) are defined as untoward medical occurrences that occur to a research subject as a result of his or her participation in research.

By default, treatment costs for any AEs arising from participation in research should be covered by the researcher or sponsor. This applies even when the participant has a serious pre-existing condition with known AE risks.

Compensation terms — including coverage after the study — must be approved by the NTU-IRB and clearly explained in the participant information sheet before consent.

Please also refer to NTU's insurance cover for research participants for further info.

Transparency is Essential 

All anticipated costs, routine costs as well as compensation for any AEs must be provided and clearly explained to the research subject or their legal representative before recruiting them into the study.

The information should also be included in the Participant Information Sheet provided to the participant.