A clinical study from patient’s perspective: Motivation, Expectations, and Perception

Abstract

Introduction. Pharmaceutical market and clinical trials (CTs) industry are growing rapidly in Russia, but little is known about perceptions of patients involved in medical experimentation, about their expectations regarding trial participation, and associated fears and reservations. Material and methods. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in different cities of the Russian Federation. Patients who had previous experience in CTs (or were enrolled in a CT at the time of this study) were asked to complete a questionnaire. Results. Likert-style questions were used to evaluate factors influencing the perception of CTs by the patients. The most important factors to decide whether to participate in the clinical trial or not for the patients included professional monitoring services, regular condition monitoring, better medical care, and free treatment. Three most significant factors that have adverse effect on the interest to participate in the study were: the risk of side effects, study of new medication and the risk of getting into the placebo group. The most important motivating factors to continue CTs for the patients were as follows permanent monitoring of condition, personal relationships with medical researchers, improvement of physical condition, as well as free medical examinations and medical assistance. Conclusion. Results of the study showed that expectations, motivations and experiences of patients participating in clinical trials in Russia are comparable with the world's data. The findings suggest more significant role of the researcher in almost all aspects of patient participation. After the end of the study the majority of respondents were still in contact with doctors.