Attitude Survey of Patients Participating in Clinical Trials
Shinichi Kobayashi (Professor of Pharmacology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Director of Clinical Trial Management Office)
Ruriko Kashiwakuma (CRC, Clinical Research Center, St. Marianna University Hospital)
Hiroyuki Furukawa (Assistant Professor, Clinical Trial Management Center, Kanazawa University Hospital)
Yukiko Matsushima (CRC, Clinical Trial Management Center, Kanazawa University Hospital)
Shigeyuki Nakano (Hospital Director, Oita University Hospital)
Masae Kuranari (CRC, Clinical Pharmacology Center, Oita University Hospital)
Shuji Onozuka (Senior Researcher, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Policy Research Institute)
Orie Azumi (Senior Researcher, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Policy Research Institute)
Yoshihiro Narita (Former Senior Researcher, Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Policy Research Institute)
(No.18: Issued in May 2004)
Various efforts are being made to revitalize clinical trials, including the enhancement of clinical trial implementation systems at medical institutions and the promotion of clinical trial networking. However, even if these efforts increase the number of patients participating in clinical trials and, as a result, clinical trials are conducted more promptly, the activation of clinical trials will not take root unless patients feel "glad to have participated" in such trials.
Therefore, in this study, we conducted a relatively large questionnaire survey of approximately 300 patients who participated in clinical trials at several university hospitals and clinics in different regions. The results revealed that patients who participated in clinical trials had an overall positive impression of the trials, thought that the trials should be better known to the public, and desired an environment in which new drugs could be delivered to patients promptly. On the other hand, it was also found that patients felt various burdens while participating in clinical trials, such as adherence to the schedule of visits and tests, and restrictions on concomitant medications. This research paper discusses the measures to promote clinical trials from the viewpoint of patients, such as "clinical trials that are easy for patients to participate" and "clinical trials that patients are happy to participate in" based on the results of this study.