Perceived benefits of and barriers to participation in a phase I/II colon cancer chemoprevention trial.

METHOD

A questionnaire was administered to 42 subjects completing a one-year cancer chemoprevention trial (response rate = 69%, n = 29). The questionnaire assessed subjects' 1) previous study participation, 2) perceived benefits/barriers of participation, 3) likelihood of participating in future trials, 4) willingness to pay out-of-pocket expenses for trial participation, and 5) interest in post-trial continuation of the drug.

RESULTS

The most highly rated benefits of trial participation were the possibility of reducing one's chance of getting cancer and the possibility of preventing others from getting cancer in the future. Barriers considered to be the most troublesome were billing problems and having colonoscopies done. Only 29% would have joined the trial had they been required to pay for trial-related costs.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study may be used to educate potential participants about the benefits of/barriers to trial participation. Additionally, by learning from the experiences of trial participants, investigators can improve the execution of clinical trials, increasing participant satisfaction.