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Children's views on taking medicines and participating in clinical trials

Sofia Nordenmalm1, Elin Kimland2, Franca Ligas3

  • 1Departmentof Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Children reported challenges with medicine taste and administration pain. Many are willing to join clinical trials for health benefits, but express concerns about potential harm. Engaging children in medicine development is crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pharmacology
  • Clinical trial design
  • Patient-centered medicine development

Background:

  • Limited understanding of children's perspectives on medication and clinical trials.
  • Children's views are vital for improving pediatric medicine development.
  • Existing research often overlooks the pediatric patient experience.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To gather insights into children's experiences with medicines.
  • To understand children's attitudes towards participating in clinical trials.
  • To identify areas for improvement in pediatric drug development and trial design.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to nearly 900 children aged 10-17 across five European Union countries.
  • The survey collected data on medicine usage, administration challenges, and willingness to participate in clinical trials.
  • Data were collected between January and August 2015.

Main Results:

  • Common issues included unpleasant taste and pain during medicine administration.
  • Approximately 17% of respondents had prior clinical trial experience.
  • The primary motivators for trial participation were potential health benefits, while safety concerns were a key deterrent.
  • Over half of the children expressed interest in learning more about clinical trials online.

Conclusions:

  • Children's involvement in developing age-appropriate medicines and clinical trial protocols is essential.
  • Tailoring medical information to children and utilizing suitable communication channels is necessary.
  • Addressing children's concerns and preferences can enhance participation and adherence in pediatric research.
Abstract

Keywords:
paediatric practicepatient perspectivequalitative researchtherapeutics

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