Factors influencing IC

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Typically, the introduction of a potential participant to a clinical trial occurs in one of the following ways:

The participant may have been identified as part of a recruitment campaign.

The participant may simply be part of a patient population being studied.

The clinical trial may be offered as a treatment option after a patient has been given the facts concerning a diagnosis and prognosis.

Although there are several ways that patients learn about clinical trial "little is known about the factors that influence decisions to participate in scientific research.â€

It is important to remember that “consent is an interactive and dynamic process and many factors can influence the study participant's willingness to sign the document.â€

These factors include:

· Socioeconomic background

· Culture and traditions

· Literacy and language ability

· Interactions with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

It has also been reported that "what, how, and when information is presented does make a difference to a participant's understanding of research and to subsequent enrollment." For e.g. the investigator should carefully weigh the consequences of trying to obtain consent after the patient has just been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Further, a participant's ability to make decisions may also be affected by his/her emotional state. Emotional stress can even be a cause of failure to consent. It is recommended that the participant be given a week to accept his/her diagnosis before discussing enrollment in the study.

Risk levels influence a participant's willingness to participate in clinical research. Furthermore, negative media attention, such as reports of a serious adverse event or death following enrolment in a clinical trial, may adversely affect decisions to participate.

Participants who successfully complete other clinical trials are more likely to consent again.

Dr. smita