1651PKnowledge and perception of clinical trials (CTs) and attitude towards participation among Polish oncological patients: A pilot survey

Abstract Background Patients’ perception of clinical trials in Poland is mostly influenced by mass media. The image of CTs is often biased which may have an impact on recruitment. Methods Based on an anonymous 25-item Paper and Pencil Interview (PAPI) survey among 191 hospitalized oncological patients we analyzed knowledge, perception, willingness to participate and future expectations of CTs. Nominal scale: Yes/No/Don’t know, Likert scale of 0-5 points and multiple choice questions were applied. Results The majority of respondents were: (1) women: 70,2%, (2) people with secondary education: 57,6%, (3) at the age of 60-69: 41,9%, (4) living in cities over 100k inhabitants: 46,1%. Main findings 49,2% of respondents agreed to be enrolled in CTs; 15,3% refused and 35,4% were not certain. Among the driving factors for “YES” were: chance for a better/constant care - 76,3% and access to additional monitoring - 73,1%. 57,0% of respondents declared altruistic reason. The main reasons for not participating were: concern about toxicity - 62,1%, lack of efficacy - 55,2% and being a “guinea pig” - 41,4%. Among respondents uncertain about participation in CT, the factors of the highest impact on potential enrollment were: terminal phase of the disease/no other option: 68,7%/ 56,7%. The incentive of the family member or friend does not have a significant impact - only 19,4% respondents would follow it. Other findings 55,8%/ 54,7% of respondents do not know about the existence of any legal acts/state institutions that oversee CTs. 60,8% of respondents do not know whether there are independent bioethical committees that approve each CT prior to launch. 64,9% of respondents think that research funded by pharma companies is NOT as reliable as that of independent sources eg. medical universities. 76,2% of respondents think that the current amount of information on CTs is insufficient and 87,2% would like to know more. Conclusions The level of knowledge about CTs among patients is insufficient but the willingness to participate is high which is mainly driven by a possibility of a better and constant care. The trust in the pharmaceutical industry should be increased. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure A. Kotowski: Full / Part-time employment: Roche Polska sp z o.o. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.