Many investigators consider incentives an important part of study design to ensure enrollment targets are fulfilled. This incentive to research subjects for participation in studies is not considered a benefit. Incentives are often used when health or other benefits to subjects are minimal. However, it is not appropriate to offer payment that is so high that it would encourage an individual to ignore or disregard the research risks. Excessive compensation is coercive and will not be approved.

The amount and schedule of all payments must be presented to the IRB at the time of initial review. The IRB will review both the amount of payment and the proposed method and timing of disbursement to assure that the incentive is not coercive.

Any payment should accrue as the study progresses and not be contingent upon the subject completing the entire study. Unless it creates undue inconvenience or a coercive practice, payment to subjects who withdraw from the study may be made at the time they would have completed the study (or completed a phase of the study) had they not withdrawn. For example, in a study lasting only a few days, an IRB may find it permissible to allow a single payment date at the end of the study, even to subjects who had withdrawn before that date.

While the entire payment should not be contingent upon completion of the entire study, payment of a small proportion, as an incentive for completion of the study is acceptable providing that such incentive is not coercive. All information concerning payment, including the amount and schedule of payment(s), should be set forth in the informed consent document.

Researchers who choose to compensate human subjects for their participation in research must follow federal regulations and university policy designed to ensure participant confidentiality and follow proper accounting procedures.Compensation includes gift cards and non-cash gifts as incentives for participation. Please review the Research Participant Incentives website to ensure that proper procedures are followed.