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Exploring treatment preferences facilitated recruitment to randomized controlled trials
Nicola Mills1, Jenny L Donovan, Julia Wade
1School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK. nicola.mills@bristol.ac.uk
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|April 12, 2011
Summary
Exploring patient preferences for cancer treatments can improve informed decisions and trial participation. Discussing preferences, rather than hindering recruitment, aids in understanding concerns and facilitating randomized controlled trial (RCT) involvement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Trials
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Patient preferences significantly influence treatment decisions.
- Understanding how preferences are expressed is crucial for effective clinical trial recruitment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and justification of patient treatment preferences during randomized controlled trial (RCT) recruitment.
- To determine how these preferences impact participation and treatment choices.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of audio recordings from recruitment appointments.
- Study involved 93 male participants (aged 51-70) in a UK multicenter RCT for localized prostate cancer.
Main Results:
- Treatment preferences were more complex and dynamic than anticipated.
- Most participants expressed early views on treatments, which evolved during discussions.
- Eliciting preferences and providing evidence-based information facilitated informed decisions and RCT participation, often leading to acceptance of different treatments.
Conclusions:
- Exploring patient preferences and providing evidence-based information enhances informed decision-making and RCT participation.
- Patient preferences should be viewed as integral to information exchange, not a barrier to recruitment.
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