Attitude towards clinical trials: results of a survey of persons interested in research

Patient recruitment is a major problem in clinical trials. In a survey, the attitude of a public sample towards clinical trials was assessed. In a survey 225 visitors to the Heinrich-Heine University were interviewed with respect to their attitude towards clinical trials. Visitors were interviewed with regard to sociodemographic variables, disease status, knowledge about and experience of trials and attitude towards clinical trials. Three scenarios for clinical trials were presented (dental trial, surgical trial, pharmaceutical trial). In general, a positive attitude was found. Clinical trials were judged important by 89.5% of the survey participants; however, only 25% would take part in clinical trials. The likelihood of potential participation was lower in the surgical trial than in the dental or pharmaceutical trial scenarios. The willingness to participate was significantly higher in persons, who considered trials to be important, with general knowledge about clinical trials and with previous trial participation. The willingness to participate in a clinical trial is still low in the public. More information and involvement in clinical trials may improve the general attitude.