Cancer Res Treat.  2017 Oct;49(4):1033-1043. 10.4143/crt.2016.413.

Korean Cancer Patients' Awareness of Clinical Trials, Perceptions on the Benefit and Willingness to Participate

• Lim Y
• Lim JM
• Jeong WJ
• Lee KH
• Keam B
• Kim TY
• Kim TM
• Han SW
• Oh DY
• Kim DW
• Kim TY
• Heo DS
• Bang YJ
• Im SA

• KMID: 2394822
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2016.413

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to assess current levels of awareness of clinical trials (CTs), perceptions regarding their benefits and willingness to participate to CTs among Korean cancer patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From December 2012 to August 2015, we distributed questionnaires to cancer patients receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
RESULTS
A total of 397 out of 520 requested patients (76.3%) responded to the survey. Among the 397 patients, 62.5% were female and the median age was 52 years. Overall, 97.4% (387/397) answered that they have at least heard of CTs. When asked about their level of awareness, 23.8% (92/387) answered that they could more than roughly explain about CTs. The average visual analogue scale score of CT benefit in all patients was 6.43 (standard deviation, 2.20). Patients who were only familiar with the term without detailed knowledge of the contents had the least expectation of benefit from CTs (p=0.015). When asked about their willingness to participate in CTs, 56.7% (225/397) answered positively. Patients with higher levels of awareness of CTs showed higher willingness to participate (p < 0.001). Heavily treated patients and patients with previous experience regarding CTs also showed a higher willingness to participate (p < 0.001). The perceived benefit of CTs was higher in the group willing to participate (p=0.026).
CONCLUSION
The patient's level of awareness regarding CTs was positively related to the positive perception and willingness to participate. Although the general awareness of CTs was high, a relatively large proportion of patients did not have accurate knowledge; therefore, proper and accurate patient education is necessary.

Keyword

Neoplasms; Patients; Clinical trial; Awareness; Perception; Volition

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans
Korea
Patient Education as Topic
Seoul
Volition

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Cancer patients’ willingness to participate in clinical trials relative to level of awareness and perceived benefits/risks of clinical trials. (A) Cancer patients’ awareness of clinical trials and willingness to participate relative to perceived benefits (red line: perceived benefit; blue blocks: willingness to participate). (B) Cancer patients’ awareness of clinical trials and willingness to participate relative to perceived risks (red line: perceived risk; blue blocks: willingness to participate). (A, B) Patients’ awareness of clinical trials: 1, never heard of; 2, heard of clinical trial but do not know in detail; 3, rough idea of only; 4, understand, but cannot explain; 5, can roughly explain; 6, know in full detail.

Reference

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