Generational Value Differences Affecting Public Perceptions of and Willingness to Participate in Clinical Trials

It is widely acknowledged that patient recruitment is a significant challenge and represents one of the primary reasons for drug development delays. Data from the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) "Perceptions & Insights" study indicate that the 18- to 34-year-old Generation Y subgroup was the least willing to participate in a clinical trial.

The willingness of Generation Y to participate in clinical studies was compared to that of older groups in the CISCRP study. These results were then compared to data from earlier studies.

Statistically significant differences existed between the willingness of Generation Y to participate in clinical studies when compared to older age groups. Generational perceptions and value differences were explored via corporate and sociological research findings to determine why disparities existed among age groups regarding the willingness for clinical trial participation.

Preliminary results indicate that members of Generation Y are less willing to participate in clinical studies and that these differences are truly generational and not simply age related.