Studying the willingness to participate in acute stroke research trials

McCormack, Joanne (2016). Studying the willingness to participate in acute stroke research trials. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

Achieving representative, timely recruitment to acute stroke trials is challenging, yet little research has explored the factors determining whether or not stroke patients agree to participate in clinical research. This prospective study collected survey data from 200 acute stroke patients (or their consultees) from two NHS Trusts in the West Midlands to determine the influence of sociodemographic, clinical or attitudinal factors on decision-making about trial participation. Respondents were offered either a real or hypothetical trial.

128 respondents (64%) agreed to trial participation. Few measurable factors were associated with decision-making, although patients able to consent for themselves were more likely to agree participation than consultees deciding on their behalf. Participation decisions may be strongly influenced by attitudes and perceptions about trial research rather than sociodemographic factors. Participants who perceived their stroke severity to be moderate or severe were significantly more likely to agree to trial participation. Respondents offered a real trial were almost six times more likely to participate than those offered a hypothetical trial. Disparities were found between self-rated stroke severity and clinician assessed NIHSS scoring.

Acute stroke trial recruitment would benefit from recruitment strategy planning and training if trials are to produce timely findings based on representative patient samples.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):