Differences in Clinical Research Perceptions and Experiences by Age Subgroup

(1) To assess the differing viewpoints of actual and potential adult clinical trial participants in 5 age cohorts, (2) identify misperceptions and opportunities to reduce unnecessary burdens on volunteers, and (3) provide age-specific feedback to study sponsors on their current engagement efforts.

Based on 12,427 responses to a global online survey collected between May and July 2017, we conducted a subgroup analysis by age of general clinical research impressions, the participation decision-making process, and experiences of study participants.

Overall, younger people were the most misinformed and experienced the most difficulties, while older people had the most misgivings about studies and sponsoring pharmaceutical companies. In the middle years, the desire for compensation peaked. Social media and clinical participation conveniences were important at every life stage.

Effectively engaging the public and patients in conversations about clinical research could be achieved via targeted efforts addressing age-specific knowledge gaps, trial-searching behaviors, and displeasing aspects of trial participation. The altruistic benefits of participation, and involvement of patients' personal physicians, resonate particularly well across multiple age cohorts. Social media and other technologies are underutilized, especially among older populations.