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McKenzie A, Bowden J, Zalcberg JR, Conroy K, Fallon-Ferguson J, Jesudason S, Ansell J, Anderst A, Straiton N. A snapshot of consumer engagement in clinical trials in Australia: results of a national survey of clinical trial networks and research organisations. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2022; 8:3. [PMID: 35123586 PMCID: PMC8817464 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-022-00338-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the extent, perceptions or experiences of consumers involved in clinical trials across Australia. The purpose of this National study was to better understand the activity and perceptions of clinical trial networks (CTNs), research co-ordinating centres and their consumers, around consumer involvement in clinical trials. METHODS CTNs and research co-ordinating centres who were members of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA), and consumers involved in the activities of these organisations, were invited to participate in online surveys. Surveys were completed between April and September 2018. RESULTS 80 respondents completed the surveys in full: 25 of 34 CTNs, 5 from 15 research co-ordinating centres, and included research investigators of 13 active trials, 10 completed trials. There were 27 consumer respondents. Consumers were involved in clinical trial activities across 19/25 (76%) of CTNs and 3/5 (60%) of research co-ordinating centres. Consumers were involved at all stages of the trial cycle. Despite this, only 8/30 (27%) of research organisations provided specific training to their employees or members on consumer involvement in research, and most did not have a specific policy or process relating to conducting consumer involvement in clinical trials. At the organisation level, barriers to consumer involvement in clinical trials included being unsure how to involve consumers effectively and systematically, difficulty in accessing consumers or lack of infrastructure and resources. At the consumer level, barriers included limited understanding of their roles, a lack of resources and training. Enablers included education, training and funding for both the research sector and for consumers. Almost all consumer respondents (25/27; 92%) would recommend the consumer role to other potential consumers, stating it was a valuable experience that led to knowledge exchange and learning about the research process. CONCLUSIONS Over the last few years, consumer involvement in clinical trials has increased in Australia, but the scope of involvement varies across different research organisations, and therapeutic areas. Consumer involvement in clinical trials is valued by most that do it, however, there are opportunities to further foster and strengthen ongoing partnerships, for example by providing practical advice for researchers on how to best engage and involve consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne McKenzie
- Consumer Engagement, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | | | - John R Zalcberg
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Karena Conroy
- Consumer & Community Involvement Program, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Sydney Research, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Julia Fallon-Ferguson
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Alliance for Cardiovascular Trials, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
| | - Shilpanjali Jesudason
- Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - James Ansell
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Deakin, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Ania Anderst
- The George Institute for Global Health, Newton, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Nicola Straiton
- Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, 3205, Australia.
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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