BARRIERS TO PATIENT PARTICIPATION IN CANCER TRIALS
A systematic review of the barriers, modifiers and benefits involved in participation in cancer clinical trials
Background: The aim of the project was to undertake a systematic review of the relevant literature relating to the barriers, modifiers and benefits involved in participating in randomised controlled trials of cancer therapies as perceived by health care providers and patients. Clinical trials are an essential tool for the evaluation of medical technologies. It is crucial that enough participants are recruited to a trial to ensure that the trial can proceed and for the results to be valid. Without sufficient numbers of people taking part, the introduction of new treatments or detailed evaluation of existing ones, could be delayed. There is clearly a need to understand why both health professionals and patients may be reluctant to take part in trials of cancer treatments. This was the first part of a project which considered how participation rates in cancer trials might be improved.
Findings: Existing research fails to identify in a clear, reliable and consistent way the reasons for not participating in cancer trials. However, themes were identified around which questions can be asked by those planning trials, to help improve participation rates. The involvement of patients and health professionals when identifying potential obstacles to participation could be beneficial.
Conducted by: CRD
Commissioned by: National Cancer Research Network
Current status: Completed 2006
Publications:
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Systematic review of barriers, modifiers and benefits involved in participation in cancer clinical trials. CRD Report 31. York: University of York. 2006.
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Increasing patient participation in cancer trials. CRD Report 31 Summary Report. March 2006.
Booth A, McDaid C, Fayter D, Eastwood A. Of barriers and benefits. SCRIP Supplements. 2006;June:10-11.
Fayter D, McDaid C, Eastwood A. A systematic review highlights threats to validity in studies of barriers to cancer trial participation. J Clin Epidemiol. 2007; 60(10): 990-1001.
Presentations:
McDaid C, Booth A, Fayter D, Eastwood A. Challenges in disseminating review findings: a case study. 14th Cochrane Colloquium; 2006 November; Dublin, Ireland.
Related CRD work:
Increasing patient participation in trials
