In a recent survey, people from around the world provided their thoughts on what they need to know when deciding whether a clinical trial is right for them.
When facing a serious illness, it’s natural for patients and their loved ones and caregivers to seek every potential resource. One of the most promising of those resources is often the most intimidating: The clinical trial. While any decision should begin with a conversation with a trusted doctor, people will have different concerns that go beyond the purely medical. Being able to answer these questions can make the decision to participate much easier. That’s why the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) recently asked over 12,450 members of the public and patients from around the world for their thoughts about clinical trials.
Universal concerns
The most common concern people expressed is the most obvious. Eighty-one percent of the respondents said knowing the potential risks and benefits of a trial is “very important.” Knowing the purpose of the clinical trial (74 percent) and the types of medical procedures required (71 percent) followed closely. Many people are naturally concerned about how participation in a trial might affect their everyday lives, with 58 percent of respondents noting that potential costs and reimbursements were very important, 57 percent responding they would be concerned about the physical location of the study clinic, and 54 percent considering the duration of the study to be an important factor.
Individual concerns
The journey to clinical trial participation may be paved with uncertainty, but having answers to important questions can help make the decision process a smoother one. The Perceptions and Insights Study helps identify better ways for the public, patients, and clinical research professionals to work together to develop new medical treatments.