Patients’ motivations for participating in cardiovascular clinical trials : a local perspective
Date
2009-08
Authors
Burgess, L. J.
Sulzer, N. U.
Hoosain, F.
Leverton, N.
Bliganut, S.
Emanuel, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Clinics Cardiv Publishing
Abstract
Objective: To investigate patients’ motivations for participating
in cardiovascular clinical trials.
Methods: Patients attending TREAD Research, located within
Tygerberg Hospital, Parow, Western Cape, between January
2005 and May 2006 were approached to participate in the
study. Consenting patients were given a validated questionnaire
to complete in their home language. All questionnaires
were anonymous and 250 consecutive patients completed the
questionnaire. They provided basic demographic data and
rated their response to 18 statements concerning factors that
may or may not have influenced their decision to participate
in a clinical trial.
Results: The mean (± SD) age of subjects was 56.3 ± 10.9
years. A large percentage of the respondents were unemployed
(66.5%). Access to medical care was a motivation
for the majority of patients (90.5%). Ninety-six per cent
of patients appreciated the regular follow up they received
as trial participants; 90% of patients entered the trial to
receive medication, which they could otherwise not afford.
A substantial 98% of patients participated to learn more
about their disease. Almost all (99%) wanted to further the
scientific understanding of their condition. A reassuring 94%
of subjects felt that they were not pressurised into the study;
80% of patients disagreed that participation in clinical trials
was an easy way to obtain money.
Conclusions: Access to medical care and making a contribution
to scientific knowledge are two of the most common
motivations for participation in cardiovascular clinical trials.
The role of remuneration is relatively unimportant.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.cvja.co.za/
Keywords
TREAD research, Clinical trials -- South Africa -- Western cape, Cardiology, Experimental, Participation motivation
Citation
Burgess, L.J. et al. 2009. Patients’ motivations for participating in cardiovascular clinical trials: a local perspective. Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, 20(4):220-223.