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Lookup NU author(s): Kathryn WalkerORCiD
Aim / purpose: To investigate what motivates rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in their decision to enter clinical trials. We aimed to determine whether RA patients are motivated by one specific factor, or if RA patients’ motivations were more complex and due to a combination of factors. Responses from Clinical Research Facility (CRF) patients were compared with responses from those patients seen for trials in rheumatology departments to determine if motivations differed between the two patient groups. Methodology: 37 patients currently participating in RA clinical trials across two sites in the north-east of England were issued with a self-completion questionnaire following informed consent. Questionnaires were identical, and included demographic questions and a series of statements to determine patients’ motivations for entering their clinical trial. Results and Conclusions: Mean responses for both altruistic statements (“to improve scientific and medical knowledge” and “to help others”), as well as “the potential for improved health” and “because I trust the medical staff that treat me” all fell between the values for “agree” and “strongly agree”. The whole group felt that they were not pressurised to participate by research staff. Responses between CRF patients and rheumatology department patients showed significant difference (p=0.05) with 4 of the 15 statements. “Best choice of treatment”, “more regular follow-ups”, “to get medication not otherwise available on the NHS” and “potential for improved health” were all show to be more strongly agreed as motivating factors amongst the CRF group of patients compared to the rheumatology department patients. Results suggest a combination of altruistic, self interest and external influences affect RA patients’ decision to participate in clinical trials. Motivations of self interest appear to be more important amongst CRF patients compared to those patients seen in rheumatology departments. It is hoped that this information will aid recruitment into trials across both departments.
Author(s): Walker KL
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: UKCRF Network Annual Conference 2012
Year of Conference: 2012
Date deposited: 20/02/2015
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/2.1.4369.2328
DOI: 10.13140/2.1.4369.2328
Notes: UKCRFN: United Kingdom Clinical Research Facility Network
