New data on clinical trial participation drivers

Participants indicated a variety of reasons that had prompted them to participate in a clinical trial, including advancing medicine or medical knowledge (54%), helping others with the condition (46%),

By Editor on Jun 24, 2003

Participants indicated a variety of reasons that had prompted them to participate in a clinical trial, including advancing medicine or medical knowledge (54%), helping others with the condition (46%), earning extra money (42%) and obtaining better treatment (40%). Other important factors mentioned were education about treatment (37%), what they'sd read or heard about the study (36%) and doctor-recommended participation (25%). Only a few participants (5%) mentioned that having a life-threatening disease was a reason for participation.

The survey results also examine drivers for participation in future trials and other factors of influence for participants, including a set of key participant rights.

However, one key point that became clear from the results was that most people surveyed believe they'sve never had the opportunity to participate in a clinical research study. Only 16% of those surveyed reported having had the opportunity. Of those who believed they'sd had the opportunity to participate, a full 63% actually signed up for the trial.

It's clear from this data that the most important thing pharmaceutical companies and investigators can do to drive participation in trials is to make opportunities more obvious to potential participants. As Harris Interactive points out, it's like the old political saying you need to be asked.

Complex question simple answer: Just ask.

To learn more about the survey, visit www.harrisinteractive.com