Patient Understanding of Research in a Medical Oncology Setting

Aim:

This project aimed to describe patient understanding of clinical trials at a tertiary teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia.  Current research is very limited, and largely confined to settings in the United States.   By addressing this gap in the literature, results can be used to guide practice and identify essential education opportunities that improve service delivery.

Method:

This was a descriptive pilot study.  An extensive review of the literature was performed.  A qualitative questionnaire was then developed using this information, and distributed to patients in varying medical oncology clinic waiting rooms.  With inferred consent, patients completed these de-identified questionnaires. The results guided the content of a poster that was placed in multiple service delivery areas.  A quantitative questionnaire was simultaneously developed and distributed to patients before and after the poster was displayed.  There was a paired group, and an unpaired before and after cohort.  An analysis was completed comparing these groups.

Findings:

The literature review presented a patient population that was largely apprehensive about the presence of clinical trials in health care.  However, the qualitative questionnaire findings articulated a positive understanding of research and clinical trials.  The education themes identified for the poster were the benefits of research participation, that it is a normal part of health care, and where to get information.  The measured effect of the poster demonstrated a positive shift in patient perceptions.

Conclusions:

The patient population for this project had a good understanding of clinical trials and research.  The use of a specifically designed poster addressed certain concepts and increased awareness in the value of research.  This pilot study can be developed into larger project that further explores education needs, knowledge and experience of clinical trials for patients.