Understanding the factors that influence patient participation in Orthopaedic Clinical Trials

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of orthopaedic patients towards participating in clinical trials (CTs).

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 adult orthopaedic patients at a Tertiary Orthopaedic Centre. Data was collected using a self-completed questionnaire. Statistical analysis was used to compare responses between those that would and would not participate using the chi-squared and the Mann-Whitney U testing.

Eighty-four percent of the patients (n = 168) stated that they would be happy to participate in clinical trials research. However, 94% (n = 188) had never had a clinical trial discussed with them previously while only 4.5% (n = 9) had participated in a clinical trial to their knowledge. The main reason for participating in clinical trials was 'I believe results could help other patients in the future' with 58% selecting this option (n = 116). Travel distance was cited as the most important barrier to taking part (n = 83, 55%). Travel distance was also seen as significantly more important in patients who were willing to participate than patient who were not (n = 10, 33%) p = 0.04. There was no significant difference between groups in responses to the statement 'I have concerns over the use and storage of blood and tissue', (Mean score = 3.46, Mean score = 3.13, p = 0.89).

The prevailing sentiment is that patients are overwhelmingly positive towards participation in clinical trials. This study highlights that there appears to be an opportunity to improve the recruitment of clinical trial in orthopaedics thus improving evidence-based practice.