Author: Akhmetova Aigerim
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
Randomized trials (also called "randomized controlled trials" or RCTs) are the best way to minimize bias in evaluating the effects of competing treatments, treatments, and health innovations.
By learning more about the influence of various factors on a person's decision to participate in a particular clinical trial, conclusions can be drawn about how people are included in the trial. The search found 29 studies (published in 30 articles) that are included in this review. Sixteen studies were conducted in the UK, six in other European countries, three in the United States, and one each in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Tanzania. People were invited to take part in areas such as cancer (n = 7); pregnancy and childbirth (n = 5); medicine and surgery (n = 11); mental health (n = 2); and health promotion (n = 4).
As a result of the study, the authors of the work concluded that various factors influence a person's decision to participate in the test. These include:
1) the method of organizing the test and informing about it;
2) personal circumstances of people;
3) potential benefits of participation.
People preferred to be invited in person and also popularly explained the information they needed. Written information and timing of the invitation also played an important role.
Some felt that the extra appointments and the time needed would be a burden. Sometimes people were offered money as compensation for their obligations. Some welcomed the payment, but did not consider it an important enough factor in influencing the decision.
The problem of taking part in trials was that healthy people were afraid to "risk" their health by taking part in the trial, and patients were afraid to worsen their condition. On the other hand, a healthy or very sick person may feel that they have “nothing to lose” by taking part in a trial, so it's not just how healthy someone is, but rather their perception of their own health.
Also, the words of the healthcare professional, family, friends, or the media can influence the subject's decision. For many, a positive attitude toward participating in research is the result of their thoughts about improving their health or being able to make a difference, thus helping others with the same condition.
The review pointed out three main factors that influenced whether potential participants agreed to undergo a clinical trial or not. The results obtained by the authors of the works were assessed as having a moderate or high degree of reliability.
It is important that those conducting clinical trials take these findings into account when inviting people to participate, so that each person is considered individually, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Source: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.MR000045.pub2/full
