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Ochieng J, Kwagala B, Barugahare J, Möller M, Moodley K. Feedback of individual genetic and genomics research results: A qualitative study involving grassroots communities in Uganda. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267375. [PMID: 36399445 PMCID: PMC9674126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetics and genomics research (GGR) is associated with several challenges including, but not limited to, methods and implications of sharing research findings with participants and their family members, issues of confidentiality, and ownership of data obtained from samples. Additionally, GGR holds significant potential risk for social and psychological harms. Considerable research has been conducted globally, and has advanced the debate on return of genetic and genomics testing results. However, such investigations are limited in the African setting, including Uganda where research ethics guidance on return of results is deficient or suboptimal at best. The objective of this study was to assess perceptions of grassroots communities on if and how feedback of individual genetics and genomics testing results should occur in Uganda with a view to improving ethics guidance. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study that employed a qualitative exploratory approach. Five deliberative focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 42 participants from grassroots communities representing three major ethnic groupings. These were rural settings and the majority of participants were subsistence farmers with limited or no exposure to GGR. Data were analysed through thematic analysis, with both deductive and inductive approaches applied to interrogate predetermined themes and to identify any emerging themes. NVivo software (QSR international 2020) was used to support data analysis and illustrative quotes were extracted. RESULTS All the respondents were willing to participate in GGR and receive feedback of results conditional upon a health benefit. The main motivation was diagnostic and therapeutic benefits as well as facilitating future health planning. Thematic analysis identified four themes and several sub-themes including 1) the need-to-know health status 2) paternity information as a benefit and risk; 3) ethical considerations for feedback of findings and 4) extending feedback of genetics findings to family and community. CONCLUSION Participation in hypothetical GGR as well as feedback of results is acceptable to individuals in grassroots communities. However, the strong therapeutic and/or diagnostic misconception linked to GGR is concerning given that hopes for therapeutic and/or diagnostic benefit are unfounded. Viewing GGR as an opportunity to confirm or dispute paternity was another interesting perception. These findings carry profound implications for consent processes, genetic counselling and research ethics guidance. Privacy and confidentiality, benefits, risks as well as implications for sharing need to be considered for such feedback of results to be conducted appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ochieng
- Makerere University School of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Betty Kwagala
- Makerere University School of Statistics and Planning, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Marlo Möller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Keymanthri Moodley
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Hinwood M, Wall L, Lang D, Balogh ZJ, Smith A, Dowsey M, Clarke P, Choong P, Bunzli S, Paolucci F. Patient and clinician characteristics and preferences for increasing participation in placebo surgery trials: a scoping review of attributes to inform a discrete choice experiment. Trials 2022; 23:296. [PMID: 35413876 PMCID: PMC9006556 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthopaedic surgeries include some of the highest volume surgical interventions globally; however, studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients report no clinically meaningful improvement in pain or function after certain procedures. As a result, there is increasing interest in conducting randomised placebo-controlled trials in orthopaedic surgery. However, these frequently fail to reach recruitment targets suggesting a need to improve trial design to encourage participation. The objective of this study was to systematically scope the available evidence on patient and clinician values and preferences which may influence the decision to participate in placebo surgery trial. METHODS A systematic review was conducted via a literature search in the MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and EconLit databases as of 19 July 2021, for studies of any design (except commentaries or opinion pieces) based on two key concepts: patient and clinician characteristics, values and preferences, and placebo surgery trials. RESULTS Of 3424 initial articles, we retained 18 eligible studies. Characteristics, preferences, values, and attitudes of patients (including levels of pain/function, risk/benefit perception, and altruism) and of clinicians (including concerns regarding patient deception associated with placebo, and experience/training in research) influenced their decisions to participate in placebo-controlled trials. Furthermore, some aspects of trial design, including randomisation procedures, availability of the procedure outside of the trial, and the information and consent procedures used, also influenced decisions to participate. CONCLUSION Participant recruitment is a significant challenge in placebo surgery trials, and individual decisions to participate appear to be sensitive to preferences around treatment. Understanding and quantifying the role patient and clinician preferences may play in surgical trials may contribute to the optimisation of the design and implementation of clinical trials in surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Hinwood
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Laura Wall
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Danielle Lang
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Zsolt J. Balogh
- Department of Traumatology, John Hunter Hospital and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Angela Smith
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Michelle Dowsey
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Phillip Clarke
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia, Parkville, Australia
- Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Peter Choong
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Samantha Bunzli
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Francesco Paolucci
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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Wexler A, Choi RJ, Ramayya AG, Sharma N, McShane BJ, Buch LY, Donley-Fletcher MP, Gold JI, Baltuch GH, Goering S, Klein E. Ethical Issues in Intraoperative Neuroscience Research: Assessing Subjects' Recall of Informed Consent and Motivations for Participation. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2022; 13:57-66. [PMID: 34227925 PMCID: PMC9188847 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2021.1941415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundAn increasing number of studies utilize intracranial electrophysiology in human subjects to advance basic neuroscience knowledge. However, the use of neurosurgical patients as human research subjects raises important ethical considerations, particularly regarding informed consent and undue influence, as well as subjects' motivations for participation. Yet a thorough empirical examination of these issues in a participant population has been lacking. The present study therefore aimed to empirically investigate ethical concerns regarding informed consent and voluntariness in Parkinson's disease patients undergoing deep brain stimulator (DBS) placement who participated in an intraoperative neuroscience study.MethodsTwo semi-structured 30-minute interviews were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively via telephone. Interviews assessed participants' motivations for participation in the parent intraoperative study, recall of information presented during the informed consent process, and participants' postoperative reflections on the research study.ResultsTwenty-two participants (mean age = 60.9) completed preoperative interviews at a mean of 7.8 days following informed consent and a mean of 5.2 days prior to DBS surgery. Twenty participants completed postoperative interviews at a mean of 5 weeks following surgery. All participants cited altruism or advancing medical science as "very important" or "important" in their decision to participate in the study. Only 22.7% (n = 5) correctly recalled one of the two risks of the study. Correct recall of other aspects of the informed consent was poor (36.4% for study purpose; 50.0% for study protocol; 36.4% for study benefits). All correctly understood that the study would not confer a direct therapeutic benefit to them.ConclusionEven though research coordinators were properly trained and the informed consent was administered according to protocol, participants demonstrated poor retention of study information. While intraoperative studies that aim to advance neuroscience knowledge represent a unique opportunity to gain fundamental scientific knowledge, improved standards for the informed consent process can help facilitate their ethical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wexler
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebekah J. Choi
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ashwin G. Ramayya
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brendan J. McShane
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Love Y. Buch
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Joshua I. Gold
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gordon H. Baltuch
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara Goering
- Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA,Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eran Klein
- Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA,Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Weiss EM, Guttmann KF, Olszewski AE, Magnus BE, Li S, Kim SYH, Shah AR, Juul SE, Wu YW, Ahmad KA, Bendel-Stenzel E, Isaza NA, Lampland AL, Mathur AM, Rao R, Riley D, Russell DG, Salih ZNI, Torr CB, Weitkamp JH, Anani UE, Chang T, Dudley J, Flibotte J, Havrilla EM, O’Kane AC, Perez K, Stanley BJ, Shah SK, Wilfond BS. Parental Enrollment Decision-Making for a Neonatal Clinical Trial. J Pediatr 2021; 239:143-149.e3. [PMID: 34400207 PMCID: PMC8610170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the parental experience of recruitment and assess differences between parents who participated and those who declined to enroll in a neonatal clinical trial. STUDY DESIGN This was a survey conducted at 12 US neonatal intensive care units of parents of infants who enrolled in the High-dose Erythropoietin for Asphyxia and encephaLopathy (HEAL) trial or who were eligible but declined enrollment. Questions assessed 6 factors of the parental experience of recruitment: (1) interactions with research staff; (2) the consent experience; (3) perceptions of the study; (4) decisional conflict; (5) reasons for/against participation; and (6) timing of making the enrollment decision. RESULTS In total, 269 of 387 eligible parents, including 183 of 242 (75.6%) of those who enrolled their children in HEAL and 86 of 145 (59.3%) parents who declined to enroll their children in HEAL, were included in analysis. Parents who declined to enroll more preferred to be approached by clinical team members rather than by research team members (72.9% vs 49.2%, P = .005). Enrolled parents more frequently reported positive initial impressions (54.9% vs 10.5%, P < .001). Many parents in both groups made their decision early in the recruitment process. Considerations of reasons for/against participation differed by enrollment status. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how parents experience recruitment, and how this differs by enrollment status, may help researchers improve recruitment processes for families and increase enrollment. The parental experience of recruitment varied by enrollment status. These findings can guide future work aiming to inform optimal recruitment strategies for neonatal clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Mark Weiss
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
| | - Katherine F Guttmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Aleksandra E Olszewski
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brooke E Magnus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Sijia Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
| | - Scott YH Kim
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland
| | - Anita R Shah
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
| | - Sandra E Juul
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Yvonne W Wu
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Kaashif A Ahmad
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Natalia A Isaza
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Andrea L Lampland
- Department of Neonatology, Children’s Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Amit M Mathur
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rakesh Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David Riley
- Department of Pediatrics, Cook Children’s Medical Center, Texas Christian University and University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - David G Russell
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Zeynep N I Salih
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Carrie B Torr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Uchenna E Anani
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Taeun Chang
- Department of Neurology, Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Juanita Dudley
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - John Flibotte
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Erin M Havrilla
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alexandra C O’Kane
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Krystle Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Seema K Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Benjamin S Wilfond
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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Gorzynska O, McGoohan K, Velayudhan L. Patient and Caregiver Experiences of Participating in Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 37:654-676. [PMID: 34673913 PMCID: PMC9035084 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acab083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older people experience multiple barriers to enrolment in clinical trials. Caregivers play an important role in supporting patients with Parkinson’s disease. Understanding the experiences of patients and caregivers who participate in trials is important to inform the design of future studies and identify problems with recruitment and retention. Objective To systematically review and synthesize qualitative studies exploring the experiences of participating in clinical trials from the perspectives of patients with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. Methods Two reviewers independently searched the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The reference lists of all selected papers were screened for additional studies. Articles meeting predefined eligibility criteria were included in the synthesis. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist. Included study findings were synthesized using the principles of thematic analysis. Results Eleven studies were included. Five key themes were identified: positive experiences of participating in research, assessment completion, motivators, enablers, and barriers. Positive experiences of participating in studies were linked to social interaction with other patients, building trust with the researchers, and expertise of the research team. Conclusions This review supports literature highlighting the important role of caregivers in supporting patients with Parkinson’s disease. Future studies are needed to further examine their perspectives on participating in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Gorzynska
- Division of Academic Psychiatry, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katie McGoohan
- Division of Academic Psychiatry, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Latha Velayudhan
- Division of Academic Psychiatry, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Kane PB, Bittlinger M, Kimmelman J. Individualized therapy trials: navigating patient care, research goals and ethics. Nat Med 2021; 27:1679-1686. [PMID: 34642487 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01519-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
'Individualized therapy' trials (sometimes called n-of-1 trials) use patients as their own controls to evaluate treatments. Here we divide such trials into three categories: multi-crossover trials aimed at individual patient management, multi-crossover trial series and pre-post trials. These trials all customize interventions for patients; however, the latter two categories also aim to inform medical practice and thus embody tensions between the goals of care and research that are typical of other types of clinical trials. In this Perspective, we discuss four domains where such tensions play out-clinical equipoise, informed consent, reporting and funding, and we provide recommendations for addressing each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Bodilly Kane
- Studies in Translation, Ethics and Medicine, Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Merlin Bittlinger
- Studies in Translation, Ethics and Medicine, Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonathan Kimmelman
- Studies in Translation, Ethics and Medicine, Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Cabrera LY. The Need for Guidance around Recruitment and Consent Practices in Intracranial Electrophysiology Research. AJOB Neurosci 2021; 12:1-2. [PMID: 33528336 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2020.1866119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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Cho HL, Miller DG, Kim SYH. Understanding people's 'unrealistic optimism' about clinical research participation. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 46:172-177. [PMID: 31473653 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers worry that patients in early-phase research experience unrealistic optimism about benefits and risks of participation. The standard measure of unrealistic optimism is the Comparative Risk/Benefit Assessment (CRBA) questionnaire, which asks people to estimate their chances of an outcome relative to others in similar situations. Such a comparative framework may not be a natural way for research participants to think about their chances. OBJECTIVE To examine how people interpret questions measuring unrealistic optimism and how their interpretations are associated with their responses. METHODS Using an early-phase cancer trial vignette, we administered the CRBA to 297 adults from the general public. They estimated their comparative chances of risk and benefit (7-point scale: -3 less likely to +3 more likely), then provided rationales for their estimates. RESULTS For both CRBA benefit and risk questions, about 50% of respondents chose 0 (the 'correct' response of 'average likelihood'), and 50% chose a non-0 response. Respondents' rationales for their estimates showed that overall only about 40%-44% gave comparative rationales, indicating that they interpreted the CRBA as intended. 68.7% of respondents who gave the 'correct' 0 rating gave comparative rationales, whereas only 11.6% of respondents who gave non-0 ratings did so. A similar trend was seen for chances of risk (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION Research participants may not understand comparative benefit and risk questions as intended; attributions of unrealistic optimism may require additional evidence that the respondents' estimates are intended to be comparative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Lin Cho
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Gibbes Miller
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Scott Y H Kim
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Nandra R, Brockie AF, Hussain F. A review of informed consent and how it has evolved to protect vulnerable participants in emergency care research. EFORT Open Rev 2020; 5:73-79. [PMID: 32175093 PMCID: PMC7047905 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.180051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A vulnerable participant in research lacks capacity to consent or may be exposed to coercion to participate. Capacity may be temporarily impaired due to loss of consciousness, hypoxia, pain and the consumption of alcohol or elicit substances.To advance emergency care, providing life-threatening measures in life-threatening circumstances, vulnerable patients are recruited into research studies. The urgent need for time-critical treatment conflicts with routine informed consent procedures.This article reviews ethical considerations and moral obligations to safeguard these participants and preserve their autonomy.A particular focus is given to research methodology to waive consent, and the role of ethics committees, research audits, research nurses and community engagement.Research on the acutely unwell patient who lacks capacity is possible with well-designed research trials that are led by investigators who are sufficiently trained, engage the community, gain ethical approval to waive consent and continuously audit practice. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:73-79. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.180051.
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Halpern J. Commentary 2: Therapeutic Mis-Estimation and Fulfilling the Obligation to Treat Research Subjects with Respect. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2019; 14:436-437. [PMID: 31779549 DOI: 10.1177/1556264619831589b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Halpern
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
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11
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de Bot ST. Raising Awareness of Therapeutic Misconception and Optimism Around Clinical Trials in Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 8:431-433. [PMID: 31640105 PMCID: PMC6839488 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-199006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Huntington's disease (HD) community is moving into an exciting time with Huntingtin lowering strategies entering human clinical trials. These upcoming targeted therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease with unmet medical needs, are believed to be a last resort for many patients and their families. Recently, patients with HD were shown to be at high risk for therapeutic misconception, mistaking research for actual treatment. It is important that investigators are aware of their patient's, as well as their own, vulnerability to therapeutic misconception. To limit therapeutic misconception, information should be provided on the rationale for clinical trials and the differences between clinical research and clinical care should be carefully discussed.
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Halpern J, Paolo D, Huang A. Informed consent for early-phase clinical trials: therapeutic misestimation, unrealistic optimism and appreciation. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2019; 45:384-387. [PMID: 31189726 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2018-105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Unrealistic therapeutic beliefs are very common-the majority of patient-subjects (up to 94%) enrol in phase 1 trials seeking and expecting significant medical benefit, even though the likelihood of such benefit has historically proven very low. The high prevalence of therapeutic misestimation and unrealistic optimism in particular has stimulated debate about whether unrealistic therapeutic beliefs in early-phase clinical trials preclude adequate informed consent. We seek here to help resolve this controversy by showing that a crucial determination of when such therapeutic beliefs are ethically problematic turns on whether they are causally linked and instrumental to the motivation to participate in the trial. Thus, in practice, it is ethically incumbent on researchers to determine which understanding and beliefs lead to the participant's primary motivation for enrolling, not to simply assess understanding, beliefs and motivations independently. We further contend that assessing patient-subjects' appreciation as a component of informed consent-it is already an established component of decision-making capacity assessments-can help elucidate the link between understanding-beliefs and motivation; appreciation refers to an individual's understanding of the personal significance of both the medical facts and the experience of trial participation. Therefore, we recommend that: (1) in addition to the usual question, 'Why do you want to participate in this trial?', all potential participants should be asked the question: 'What are you giving up by participating in this trial?' and (2) researchers should consider the settings in which it may be possible and practical to obtain 'two-point consent'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Halpern
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - David Paolo
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Andrew Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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Sharma A, Johnson LM. Mitigating Challenges in Dual-Role Consent: Honoring Patient Preferences to Discuss Research Participation With Someone They Know. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2019; 19:30-32. [PMID: 31544670 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2019.1572822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
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Morain SR, Joffe S, Largent EA. When Is It Ethical for Physician-Investigators to Seek Consent From Their Own Patients? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2019; 19:11-18. [PMID: 30994425 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2019.1572811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Classic statements of research ethics advise against permitting physician-investigators to obtain consent for research participation from patients with whom they have preexisting treatment relationships. Reluctance about "dual-role" consent reflects the view that distinct normative commitments govern physician-patient and investigator-participant relationships, and that blurring the research-care boundary could lead to ethical transgressions. However, several features of contemporary research demand reconsideration of the ethics of dual-role consent. Here, we examine three arguments advanced against dual-role consent: that it creates role conflict for the physician-investigator; that it can compromise the voluntariness of the patient-participant's consent; and that it promotes therapeutic misconceptions. Although these concerns have merit in some circumstances, they are not dispositive in all cases. Rather, their force-and the ethical acceptability of dual-role consent-varies with features of the particular study. As research participation more closely approximates usual care, it becomes increasingly acceptable, or even preferable, for physicians to seek consent for research from their own patients. It is time for a more nuanced approach to dual-role consent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven Joffe
- b University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Emily A Largent
- c University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
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Clinical features of Parkinson's disease patients are associated with therapeutic misconception and willingness to participate in clinical trials. Trials 2017; 18:444. [PMID: 28962634 PMCID: PMC5622447 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical trials (CTs) are the “gold standard” to ensure the development of new effective treatments in medicine. A study was conducted to assess knowledge of, and attitudes toward, clinical trials among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), along with factors that motivate them to participate. Methods A 50-item questionnaire on the views of patients with PD about CTs was developed. It included statements that the respondents assessed on a Likert scale from 1 (“strongly disagree”) to 5 (“strongly agree”). The questionnaire was mailed to a random sample (n = 2000) of members of the patient organization the Finnish Parkinson Association. In all, 708 response forms were returned, of which 681 were accepted after exclusion (a 34% response rate). Results In general, attitudes of patients with PD toward CTs were positive. Older subjects and patients with lower education levels had inadequate knowledge of general issues related to CTs. Older age, low level of education, and lower number of PD medications were significant predictors for failure to understand the nature and purpose of clinical research. Additionally, significant positive correlation was found between education level and willingness to participate in CTs. Conclusions Patients with PD have important gaps in their knowledge of methodological issues associated with CTs. The oldest subjects and those with a low level of education have the greatest information needs. Investigators should pay more attention to ensuring the comprehensibility of the information provided to potential CT participants.
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Kim SYH, De Vries R, Holloway RG, Kieburtz K. Understanding the 'therapeutic misconception' from the research participant's perspective. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2016; 42:522-3. [PMID: 27145809 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2016-103597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Y H Kim
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Raymond De Vries
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert G Holloway
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Karl Kieburtz
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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Kim SY, Wilson R, De Vries R, Ryan KA, Holloway RG, Kieburtz K. Are patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at risk of a therapeutic misconception? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2016; 42:514-518. [PMID: 26964569 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2015-103319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are at risk of a therapeutic misconception (TM) in which they misconceive research as treatment or overestimate the likelihood of its benefit. METHODS 72 patients with ALS recruited via academic and patient organisations were surveyed using a hypothetical first-in-human intervention study scenario. We elicited their understanding of the purpose of the study ('purpose-of-research question') and then asked how they interpreted the question. We then asked for an estimate of the likelihood that their ALS would improve by participating and asked them to explain the meaning of their estimates. RESULTS Although 10 of 72 (14%) subjects incorrectly said that the intervention study was 'mostly intending to help [me]' in response to the purpose-of-research question, 7 of those 10 thought that the question was asking them about their own motivations for participating. Overall, only one of 72 respondents (1.4%) both understood the purpose-of-research question as intended and gave the incorrect response. Subjects' mean estimate of likelihood of benefit was 31% (SD 26). This was due to 29 of 72 of respondents providing high estimates (50%-54% likelihood), which they said were expressions of hope and need for a positive attitude; among those who said their estimates meant 'those are the facts' or 'there is a lot of uncertainty', the estimates were much lower (12.6% and 18.5%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In this group of patients with ALS considering a hypothetical first-in-human intervention study, apparent TM responses have alternative explanations and the risk of true TM appears low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Yh Kim
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Renee Wilson
- Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Raymond De Vries
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kerry A Ryan
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert G Holloway
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Karl Kieburtz
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Reijula E, Halkoaho A, Pietilä AM, Selander T, Kälviäinen R, Keränen T. Therapeutic misconception correlates with willingness to participate in clinical drug trials among patients with epilepsy; need for better counseling. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 48:29-34. [PMID: 26037846 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To ensure the development of new effective treatments in medicine, clinical trials (CTs) need to be conducted. The study was aimed at assessing knowledge of and attitudes toward clinical drug trials among patients with epilepsy, along with factors that motivate them to participate in CTs. Use of this information could improve recruitment for future trials and enhance their quality. METHODS A 45-item questionnaire on the views of patients with epilepsy about CTs was developed. It included statements that the respondents assessed on a Likert scale from 1 ('strongly disagree') to 5 ('strongly agree'). The questionnaire was mailed to a random sample (n=1875) of members of the Finnish Epilepsy Association aged at least 18 years. In all, 342 questionnaires were returned, and 325 were accepted after exclusion. RESULTS The analysis indicates that the general attitudes of patients with epilepsy toward CTs are positive. Most of the patients with epilepsy saw participation in clinical trials as indispensable to new treatments becoming available. Retired respondents and persons who had developed epilepsy when young had inadequate knowledge of general issues related to CTs. Level of education and number of antiepileptic medications (AEDs) were significant predictors for failure to understand the nature and purpose of clinical research - i.e., for therapeutic misconception (TM). Additionally, strong correlation was found between TM and respondents' willingness to participate in clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS The new treatments are often studied in patients with a high risk of TM and impaired comprehension of general procedures associated with CTs. Clinically, it may be worthwhile for the investigators to be able to recognize vulnerable individuals and pay special attention to the information provided on the purposes and methods of the trial, to contribute to high-quality AED studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Reijula
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Arja Halkoaho
- Kuopio University Hospital, Science Service Center, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anna-Maija Pietilä
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Social and Health Care Services, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tuomas Selander
- Kuopio University Hospital, Science Service Center, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Reetta Kälviäinen
- NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tapani Keränen
- Kuopio University Hospital, Science Service Center, Kuopio, Finland; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
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Angrist M, Jamal L. Living laboratory: whole-genome sequencing as a learning healthcare enterprise. Clin Genet 2014; 87:311-8. [PMID: 25045831 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
With the proliferation of affordable large-scale human genomic data come profound and vexing questions about management of such data and their clinical uncertainty. These issues challenge the view that genomic research on human beings can (or should) be fully segregated from clinical genomics, either conceptually or practically. Here, we argue that the sharp distinction between clinical care and research is especially problematic in the context of large-scale genomic sequencing of people with suspected genetic conditions. Core goals of both enterprises (e.g. understanding genotype-phenotype relationships; generating an evidence base for genomic medicine) are more likely to be realized at a population scale if both those ordering and those undergoing sequencing for diagnostic reasons are routinely and longitudinally studied. Rather than relying on expensive and lengthy randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses, we propose leveraging nascent clinical-research hybrid frameworks into a broader, more permanent instantiation of exploratory medical sequencing. Such an investment could enlighten stakeholders about the real-life challenges posed by whole-genome sequencing, such as establishing the clinical actionability of genetic variants, returning 'off-target' results to families, developing effective service delivery models and monitoring long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Angrist
- Science and Society, Social Science Research Institute and Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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