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Does increased patient awareness improve accrual into cancer-related clinical trials?
Carla R Stiles1, Laureen Johnson, Darlene Whyte
1Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services Cancer Care, Calgary, Canada. carla.stiles@albertahealthservices.ca
Background:
Oncology literature cites that only 2% to 4% of patients participate in research. Up to 85% of patients are unaware that clinical trials research is being conducted at their treatment facility or that they might be eligible to participate.
Objectives:
It was hypothesized that patients' satisfaction with information regarding clinical trials would improve after targeted educational interventions, and accruals to clinical trials would increase in the year following those interventions.
Methods:
All new patients referred to the cancer center over a 4-month period were mailed a baseline survey to assess their knowledge of clinical research. Subsequently, educational interventions were provided, including an orientation session highlighting clinical trials, a pamphlet, and a reference to a clinical trials Web site. A postintervention survey was sent to the responders of the initial survey 3 months after the initial mailing.
Results:
Patient satisfaction with information significantly increased after the interventions. There was no increase in subsequent enrollment in clinical trials. Patients who indicated an inclination to participate in clinical trials tended to have greater satisfaction with the information they received.
Conclusions:
A set of educational interventions designed for cancer patients significantly improved their satisfaction with information on clinical research, but did not improve clinical trial enrollment of these participants as of 1 year after the study.
Implications For Practice:
The development of educational interventions may be justified, but such interventions may require prolonged implementation to establish benefit. Information relating to research may be most effectively delivered by patients' primary cancer care providers.
Insights
Educational interventions improved cancer patients' satisfaction with clinical trial information but did not increase enrollment. Further research is needed to determine long-term benefits and optimal delivery methods for clinical trial participation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Research
- Patient Education
Background:
- Low patient participation in oncology clinical trials (2-4%) is a significant issue.
- Many patients (up to 85%) are unaware of available clinical trials or their eligibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if targeted educational interventions improve patient satisfaction with clinical trial information.
- To determine if these interventions increase accrual to clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- A baseline survey assessed patient knowledge of clinical research.
- Educational interventions included orientation sessions, pamphlets, and website resources.
- Post-intervention surveys measured changes in satisfaction and enrollment intent.
Main Results:
- Patient satisfaction with clinical trial information significantly increased post-intervention.
- No significant increase in clinical trial enrollment was observed within one year.
- Patients interested in participating showed higher satisfaction with provided information.
Conclusions:
- Educational interventions enhance patient satisfaction with clinical trial information.
- These interventions alone did not boost clinical trial enrollment within the study period.
- Prolonged implementation or primary care provider involvement may be necessary for improved accrual.
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