A qualitative assessment of the experience of participating in a cancer-related clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to explore the experiences of patients enrolled in a cancer-related clinical drug treatment trial utilising a qualitative focus-group methodology. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the impact of social and family support, the challenges and advantages of taking part in a clinical trial and the experiences of patients at the conclusion of the trial.


METHODS
A qualitative study was conducted at a public hospital in Melbourne in 2008. A total of 14 participants were recruited. Three focus groups and two interviews were conducted with 13 patients who had completed a cancer-related clinical trial. Comments from a letter written by a trial participant were also analysed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded according to emerging themes.


RESULTS
Information obtained was grouped around four main themes; making sense of trial participation, challenges of treatment in the context of clinical trial participation, support during trial participation and coping with trial conclusion. Participants experienced a mixture of hope, uncertainty and apprehension as they considered whether to take part in a clinical trial. At different stages of the trial they made sense of their participation by thinking about the possible benefits of participation. Trial participation was also associated with a number of emotional and practical challenges. Generally, participants were very positive about the support they received from health professionals, family and friends. The end of the trial was associated with a mix of emotions, including relief, disappointment, hope of future help, uncertainty and abandonment.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical trial participation is a positive experience for many patients with cancer, although there are a number of associated practical and emotional challenges. Trial participants may benefit from closer follow-up from clinical trial staff, especially the treating doctor, assessment of support needs and help in re-evaluating the meaning of their trial participation if their initial hopes and expectations are not met.
Wootten
Addie C
AC
Department of Urology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Level 3 Centre, Main Building, Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3050, Australia. addie.wootten@mh.org.au
Abbott
Jo M
JM
Siddons
Heather M
HM
Rosenthal
Mark A
MA
Costello
Anthony J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017321:Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D014739:Victoria
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents