Information and communication in the context of a clinical trial.
The aim of this study was to determine the communicative needs of the patients in the context of being invited to participate in a clinical trial. A questionnaire was sent to 299 patients with breast cancer randomised in a trial of adjuvant therapy. It was returned by 261 (87%) of them. Ninety-one per cent (231/255) of the patients regarded the information provided as easy or quite easy to understand. However, the method of treatment allocation was unclear to most patients: 51% (128/251) thought that the doctor had chosen the treatment while only 23% (57/251) knew that they had been randomised. Younger and better educated patients had a better understanding. For 55% (125/226) of the patients written information had been helpful in decision making. This correlated highly with the education of the patient. Sixty-eight per cent (174/255) of the patients thought that they had enough time for decision-making. Less educated patients and older patients had needed more time. Eighty-seven per cent (218/251) were happy with their decision to participate. While most patients are satisfied with the information received, there is a poor understanding of how treatment is allocated. Information should be modified for older and less-educated patients. The needs of the patients when offered participation in a clinical trial are clear information, enough time to consider the options and psychological support.
Hietanen
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Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Helsinki, PO Box 180, Fin-00029, Finland. paivi.hietanen@hus.fi
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Holli
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010358:Patient Participation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires