[Verbal information in clinical trials at an oncology department]

Prior to participation in clinical trials, patients must give their consent on the basis of information from the doctor. The content of the information is defined in the Helsinki Declaration. Information given in an oncological department was investigated and the patients were interviewed about the information obtained. The problems associated with the informative interviews with the patients were that these were frequently unstructured, that the patients were more concerned with their illness and treatment and that doctors had done too little to ensure that the patients had understood the information. It was most difficult for the doctors to provide thorough information about side-effects and disadvantages. Patients had greatest difficulty in understanding the principle of randomization. The patients' main reason for participation in the trial was the hope for therapeutic benefit. In departments where clinical research is undertaken, constant attention is required for how information on clinical trials is best given.