[Participation in a clinical trial-Is that something for me? : Video article]

The approval of new treatments in ophthalmology makes clinical studies essential. The recruitment of suitable study patients regularly poses a major challenge for the participating clinics. Many patients have fundamental reservations and fears about studies that prevent them from participating. As these concerns are similar across the country, a broadly applicable video aims to address them. For the first time, the aspects of study participation are conveyed purely from the patient's perspective.

The concept for the video was developed by the AG DOG Clinical Study Centers. Patients were sought for participation at several locations and two suitable protagonists were selected. Participation was voluntary and honorary. Filming took place in Q3 and Q4 2021 in Baden-Württemberg. The production was in the hands of the grasshopper creative agency in Tübingen.

The two patients describe their own concerns before the study and how they experienced participating in the study themselves. Aspects such as voluntariness, the right to withdraw, fear of unpleasant examinations, the time burden and much more are discussed. The patients also address their personal motivation for participating. The video has an authentic effect, is in German and has subtitles for areas where it has to be presented without sound. These subtitles are also available in English to broaden the audience.

With the video, an important tool for educating patients and recruiting clinical studies at eye clinics is available free of charge.