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Investigating patient recruitment to radiotherapy clinical trials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 July 2016

Emma Thompson  and
Melanie Clarkson
Emma Thompson*
Affiliation:
Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
Melanie Clarkson
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health and Wellbeing,Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Campus, Broomgrove Road, Sheffield, S10 2BP
*
Correspondence to: Emma Thompson, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS4 3BW, UK. Tel: 01642 837 947. Fax: 01642 835 522. E-mail: emma.thompson2@stees.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Background

Radiotherapy randomised controlled trials provide evidence to support the development of new techniques and dose/fractionation regimens. Some radiotherapy trials have previously had to close early or revise targets due to low recruitment rates. Many authors have recommended research into recruitment strategies for many areas of medicine, however little work has been carried out in the specific field of radiotherapy.

Method

Using a survey of research radiographers followed by radiotherapy patient interviews, this project provides perspectives on motives for patient participation in radiotherapy clinical trials, and how to best support people through this decision-making process.

Findings

The main factors influencing participation identified by the radiographers were altruism, treatment fatigue and concerns about the trial arms, lack of resources and lack of commitment from some medical colleagues. For patients the main factors were mainly emotional; altruism, and fears for efficacy of different trial arms featured, with requests for timely communication of trial information.

Conclusion

We recommend that strategies should be offered proactively to support patients through the decision-making process when considering trial participation. Research radiographers are ideally qualified to offer support and expert knowledge to these patients.

Keywords

clinical trial recruitmentradiotherapyrandomised controlled trialresearch radiographer
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 15 , Issue 3 , September 2016 , pp. 232 - 238
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2016 

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