9 takeaways on clinical trials from the patient's view

In a recent survey conducted by Research!America and the Association of Clinical Research Organizations, researchers outline the views of the public in order to expand understanding of their views on health, research and technological utilization.

The nationwide survey of 1,000 adults was conducted in July 2017. Results included the following:

• 86 percent of respondents believe healthcare professionals should discuss clinical trials with patients diagnosed with a disease as a part of standard care.
• 75 percent believe enrolling in clinical trials is as valuable to healthcare as giving blood.
• 74 percent would participant in a clinical trial if asked by someone they trusted.
• 80 percent say they have heard of a clinical trial but only 18 percent say they (or a family member) have participated in one.
• 55 percent do not participate in clinical trials because of the lack of information and awareness, 43 percent say because it is “too risky," and 38 percent mentioned a lack of trust.
• 37 percent are “very likely” to participate if recommended by a doctor, an 11-percent increase from 2013.
• 84 percent are willing to share personal data if secure measures are in place, a 10-percent increase.
• 72 percent of respondents say they are likely to use technology like apps and phones to share personal data for clinical research.
• 47 percent like having clinical trial data sent to their phones.

“More and more Americans appear to recognize the value of clinical trials—a very positive sign, but stubborn barriers to participation remain in place,” said Mary Woolley, president and CEO of Research!America. “Development of incentives to drive more discussions between patients and health care professionals about the importance of participating in trials could encourage both ill and healthy individuals to view this as a routine health behavior.”