title: Measuring cancer clinical trial understanding.
abstract: Researchers, practitioners, and participants in cancer clinical trials must have a clear understanding of clinical trials if participation in them is to be solicited ethically and effectively. A valid and reliable measure of cancer clinical trial understanding did not exist prior to a 2005 study conducted for the Coalition of Cooperative Cancer Groups. This report outlines a measure derived from that study, discusses the rationale for its component items, examines its psychometric properties, and demonstrates the relationship of this measure to the enrollment decision. Data from national samples of cancer survivors and the general public demonstrate the measure's validity and reliability. Results are discussed as they relate to patient understanding of clinical trials, informed decision making, and health communication processes.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48823, USA. jondmiller@umich.edu
authors.forename: Jon D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kotowski
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Comis
authors.forename: Sandi W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Kami J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Silk
authors.forename: Diane D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Colaizzi
authors.forename: Linda G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Kimmel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D035842:Research Subjects / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents