Increasing Participation of Cancer Patients in Trials
Author Information
Author(s): Mc Daid Catriona, Hodges Zoé, Fayter Debra, Stirk Lisa, Eastwood Alison
Primary Institution: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York
Hypothesis
What interventions can effectively increase cancer patient participation in randomized controlled trials?
Conclusion
There is not a strong evidence-base for interventions that increase cancer patient participation in randomized trials.
Supporting Evidence
- Eight studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria.
- Six studies had interventions relevant to the UK.
- One good quality RCT found that urologists and nurses were equally effective at recruiting participants.
Takeaway
The study looked at ways to help more cancer patients join clinical trials, but found that none of the methods tested really worked.
Methodology
A systematic review of published and unpublished studies was conducted, assessing interventions aimed at improving cancer patient participation in RCTs.
Potential Biases
There was a risk of contamination between the experimental and comparison interventions.
Limitations
Most studies had methodological weaknesses and were vulnerable to selection bias.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were women, and most studies included individuals with different cancers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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