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Wu C, Wang N, Wang Q, Wang C, Wei Z, Wu Z, Yu S, Jiang X. Participants' understanding of informed consent in clinical trials: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295784. [PMID: 38166097 PMCID: PMC10760836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Obtaining written informed consent from participants before enrolment in a study is essential. A previous study showed that only 50% of the participants in clinical trials understood the components of informed consent, and the methods of participants' understanding of informed consent were controversial. This updated meta-analysis aimed to estimate the proportion of participants in clinical trials who understand the different informed consent components. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched till April 2023. Therapeutic misconception, ability to name one risk, knowing that treatments were being compared, and understanding the nature of the study, the purpose of the study, the risks and side-effects, the direct benefits, placebo, randomization, voluntariness, freedom to withdraw, the availability of alternative treatment if withdrawn from the trial, confidentiality, compensation, or comprehension were evaluated. This meta-analysis included 117 studies (155 datasets; 22,118 participants). The understanding of the risks and side-effects was investigated in the largest number of studies (n = 100), whereas comparehension was investigated in the smallest number (n = 11). The highest proportions were 97.5%(95% confidence interval (CI): 97.1-97.9) for confidentiality, 95.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 95.4-96.4) for compensation, 91.4% (95% CI: 90.7-92.1) for the nature of study, 68.1% (95% CI: 51.6-84.6) for knowing that treatments were being compared, and 67.3% (95% CI: 56.6-78) for voluntary nature of participants. The smallest proportions were the concept of placebo (4.8%, 95%CI: 4.4-5.2) and randomization(39.4%, 95%CI: 38.3-40.4). Our findings suggested that most participants understood the fundamental components of informed consent (study confidentiality, nature, compensation, voluntariness, and freedom to withdraw). The understanding of other components, such as placebo and randomization was less satisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengai Wu
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenjie Wei
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunan Yu
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xieyuan Jiang
- Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing, China
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Mogensen N, Kreicbergs U, Albertsen BK, Lähteenmäki P, Heyman M, Harila A. Parental experiences of the informed consent process in randomized clinical trials-A Nordic study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30684. [PMID: 37728014 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are an essential part of improving acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. This population-based questionnaire study investigated parents' experiences of the informed consent process in the RCTs within the Nordic NOPHO (Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology) ALL2008 trial. PROCEDURE Parents in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland whose child was alive and in first remission after end of therapy and who were asked to participate in any RCT in the ALL2008 protocol, were asked to complete 15 questions/items regarding their experience of the RCT consent process. RESULTS A total of 483 parents of 279 children met the inclusion criteria and answered the study questionnaire. Most (91%) agreed/strongly agreed to having received sufficient information to make a well-informed decision, felt confidence in the study design (86%), and thought that the process was satisfactory (86%). Those who did not consent reported a generally more negative experience of the process. More than a third of all parents and over half of parents who had refused participation felt that it was burdensome to decide. Most parents (66%) in general, and one-third of those with children 8 years or older, reported that their child was not involved in the process. CONCLUSIONS Parents were in general satisfied with the informed consent process, although many parents, particularly those who refused participation, reported it as burdensome to make the decision concerning RCT. Fewer than expected of the school-aged children were involved in the decision process, which calls for attention on how children are included in the consent procedure in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Mogensen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Kreicbergs
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Birgitte Klug Albertsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Päivi Lähteenmäki
- Pediatric and Adolescent Hematology/Oncology, Turku University Hospital, Fican-West and Turku University, Turku, Finland
- Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Heyman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arja Harila
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University and Pediatric Oncology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Aristizabal P, Nataraj S, Ma AK, Kumar NV, Perdomo BP, Martinez ME, Nodora J, Liu L, Lee E, Thornburg CD. Social Determinants of Health and Informed Consent Comprehension for Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2346858. [PMID: 38079173 PMCID: PMC10714248 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Ensuring valid informed consent (IC) prior to enrollment in clinical trials is a fundamental ethical right. Objective To assess whether social determinants of health (SDOH) and related sociocontextual factors are associated with parental IC comprehension in therapeutic childhood cancer clinical trials. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 223 parents of children with newly diagnosed cancer at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, a large quaternary academic center in California, from October 1, 2014, to March 31, 2021. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess whether IC comprehension overall and by domain (purpose, procedures, and randomization; risks and benefits; alternatives; and voluntariness) were associated with SDOH and sociocontextual factors. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. Exposures Informed consent for a therapeutic childhood cancer clinical trial. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome of interest was IC comprehension and its associations with SDOH (marital status, language, educational attainment, employment, insurance type, socioeconomic status, and health literacy) and sociocontextual factors (ethnicity, satisfaction with informed consent, and cancer type). Results Of 223 parents, 172 (77.1%) were aged 18 to 44 years, 111 (49.8%) were Hispanic, 152 (68.2%) were women, and 163 (73.1%) were married. In terms of race, 2 (0.9%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 22 (9.9%) were Asian or Pacific Islander, 8 (3.6%) were Black, 149 (66.8%) were White, and 42 (18.8%) were more than 1 race. In multivariable linear mixed-effects analyses, limited vs adequate health literacy was associated with lower comprehension of informed consent overall (mean [SD], 68.28 [11.81] vs 79.24 [11.77]; β estimate, -9.02 [95% CI, -12.0 to -6.07]; P < .001) and with lower comprehension of the purpose, procedures, and randomization (mean [SD], 65.00 [12.64] vs 76.14 [11.53]; β estimate, -7.87 [95% CI, -10.9 to -4.85]; P < .001); risks and benefits (mean [SD], 62.84 [20.24] vs 73.14 [20.86]; β estimate, -10.1 [95% CI, -15.6 to -4.59]; P < .001); alternatives (mean [SD], 54.27 [43.18] vs 82.98 [34.24]; β estimate, -14.3 [95% CI, -26.1 to -2.62]; P .02); and voluntariness (mean [SD], 76.52 [24.33] vs 95.39 [13.89]; β estimate, -9.14 [95% CI, -14.9 to -3.44]; P = .002) domains. Use of Spanish vs English language for medical communication was associated with lower comprehension overall (mean [SD], 66.45 [12.32] vs 77.25 [12.18]; β estimate, -5.30 [95% CI, -9.27 to -1.34]; P = .01) and with lower comprehension of the purpose, procedures, and randomization (mean [SD], 63.33 [11.98] vs 74.07 [12.52]; β estimate, -4.33 [95% CI, -8.43 to -0.23]; P = .04) and voluntariness (mean [SD], 70.83 [24.02] vs 92.54 [17.27]; β estimate, -9.69 [95% CI, -16.8 to -2.56]; P = .009) domains. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study including parents of children with newly diagnosed cancer who provided IC for their child's participation in a therapeutic clinical trial, limited health literacy and use of Spanish language for medical communication were associated with lower comprehension of IC. These findings suggest that, in this setting, parents with limited health literacy or those who use Spanish language for medical communication may not fully comprehend IC and therefore may not make truly informed decisions. These findings support the investigation of interventions, across pediatric disciplines, tailored to the participant's language and health literacy level to improve IC comprehension, particularly in racial and ethnic minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Aristizabal
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
- Division of Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
- Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, University of California, San Diego, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, La Jolla
| | - Shilpa Nataraj
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- currently affiliated with Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Arissa K. Ma
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- currently affiliated with Department of Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Long Beach, California
| | - Nikhil V. Kumar
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- currently affiliated with Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Bianca P. Perdomo
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Maria Elena Martinez
- Division of Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Jesse Nodora
- Division of Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Lin Liu
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Euyhyun Lee
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Courtney D. Thornburg
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
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Tanaka K, Hayakawa M, Mori M, Maeda N, Nagata M, Horibe K. Medical staff's sense of awareness of informed consent for adolescent cancer patients and the need for decision-making support practiced from the perspective of trauma-informed approach. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:28. [PMID: 37149683 PMCID: PMC10164311 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00907-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It has not been established how to assess children's and adolescents' decision-making capacity (DMC) and there has been little discussion on the way their decision-making (DM). The purpose of this study was to examine actual situation and factors related to difficulties in explaining their disease to adolescent cancer patients or obtaining informed consent (IC). The cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted. Physicians who have been treating adolescent cancer patients for at least five years answered a self-administered questionnaire uniquely developed about clinical difficulties in explaining, IC and factors related patient's refusal of medical treatment (RMT). Descriptive statistics for each item and a polychoric correlation analysis of the problems and factors related to the explanation were conducted. As a result, fifty-six physicians were participated (rate of return: 39%). Explaining the disease and treatment to patients (83.9%), IC to patients (80.4%), and explaining the disease and treatment to parents (78.6%) was particularly problematic. Difficulties to provide support related with patient's refusal of medical treatment and to explain disease and treatment for patient and parents were related to difficulties obtaining IC for the patient. Conclusion: There are clinically difficult to explain for the patient or parents and to obtain IC for the patient. It is necessary to establish a disease acceptance assessment tool for the adolescence generation so that it can be applied in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Tanaka
- National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Division of Consultation liaison Department of Psychosocial Medicine, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya- ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.
| | - Maoko Hayakawa
- National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Ochanomizu University Human Developmental Sciences, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Mori
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naoko Maeda
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masako Nagata
- Psychological Support&Research Center for Human Development, NAGOYA UNIVERSITY, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, Japan
| | - Keizo Horibe
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Polfuss M, Mooney-Doyle K, Keller M, Gralton KS, Giambra B, Vance A. Developing a Family Resource: Considerations for Family Member Research Participation. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2023; 29:202-222. [PMID: 36935575 DOI: 10.1177/10748407231157433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
When individuals participate in health care research, the choice often affects the entire family. Researchers are responsible for protecting participants and minimizing any burdens the research may place on them. Resources to educate potential study participants about these issues from a family perspective are lacking. A family-focused, evidence-based resource was created for individuals and families to prompt discussion prior to their consenting to enrollment in research. The resource includes key relevant questions to consider related to their study participation and was revised based on input from family nurse scientists and a hospital-based family advisory group. This resource raises awareness of the importance of employing a family lens when designing research and during the recruitment and enrollment of participants. Adopting a family lens in health care research will support the participant's ability to make an informed choice regarding participation and may ultimately enhance the experience of participants and their families and study outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Polfuss
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Giambra
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ashlee Vance
- Michigan State University, Detroit, USA
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Guilmatre A, Davous D, Sigy ADHD, Asselain B, Chevret S, Petit A. Quelles sont les pratiques en génétique des pédiatres onco-hématologues de la SFCE ? Une enquête du groupe socle éthique CONECT-AML. Bull Cancer 2022; 109:1162-1176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Pant S, Elias MA, Woolfall K, Morales MM, Lincy B, Jahan I, Sumanasena SP, Ramji S, Shankaran S, Thayyil S. Parental and professional perceptions of informed consent and participation in a time-critical neonatal trial: a mixed-methods study in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005757. [PMID: 34020995 PMCID: PMC8144040 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Time-critical neonatal trials in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) raise several ethical issues. Using a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, we explored informed consent process in Hypothermia for encephalopathy in low and middle-income countries (HELIX) trial conducted in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Methods Term infants with neonatal encephalopathy, aged less than 6 hours, were randomly allocated to cooling therapy or usual care, following informed parental consent. The consenting process was audio-video (A-V) recorded in all cases. We analysed A-V records of the consent process using a 5-point Likert scale on three parameters—empathy, information and autonomy. In addition, we used exploratory observation method to capture relevant aspects of consent process and discussions between parents and professionals. Finally, we conducted in-depth interviews with a subgroup of 20 parents and 15 healthcare professionals. A thematic analysis was performed on the observations of A-V records and on the interview transcripts. Results A total of 294 A-V records of the HELIX trial were analysed. Median (IQR) score for empathy, information and autonomy was 5 (0), 5 (1) and 5 (1), respectively. However, thematic analysis suggested that the consenting was a ceremonial process; and parental decision to participate was based on unreserved trust in the treating doctors, therapeutic misconception and access to an expensive treatment free of cost. Most parents did not understand the concept of a clinical trial nor the nature of the intervention. Professionals showed a strong bias towards cooling therapy and reported time constraints and explaining to multiple family members as key challenges. Conclusion Despite rigorous research governance and consent process, parental decisions were heavily influenced by situational incapacity and a trust in doctors to make the right decision on their behalf. Further research is required to identify culturally and context-appropriate strategies for informed trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Pant
- Centre for Perinatal Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kerry Woolfall
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | | | | | - Ismat Jahan
- Department of Neonatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
| | | | - Siddarth Ramji
- Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Seetha Shankaran
- Neonatal- Perinatal Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sudhin Thayyil
- Centre for Perinatal Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Aristizabal P, Ma AK, Kumar NV, Perdomo BP, Thornburg CD, Martinez ME, Nodora J. Assessment of Factors Associated With Parental Perceptions of Voluntary Decisions About Child Participation in Leukemia Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e219038. [PMID: 33944924 PMCID: PMC8097494 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.9038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Obtaining voluntary informed consent prior to enrollment in clinical trials is a fundamental ethical requirement. OBJECTIVE To assess whether health literacy, contextual factors, or sociodemographic characteristics are associated with perception of voluntariness among parents who had consented for their child's participation in a leukemia therapeutic clinical trial. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 97 parents of children diagnosed as having leukemia at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, a large tertiary academic center in California, from 2014 to 2017. Health literacy, contextual factors (acculturation, decisional regret, and satisfaction with informed consent), sociodemographic characteristics, and perception of voluntariness after consenting for a therapeutic clinical trial were measured. Univariable and multivariable regression were used to determine significant associations. The analyses for the present study were conducted from May 2019 to May 2020. EXPOSURES Informed consent for a therapeutic leukemia clinical trial. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome of interest was perception of voluntariness and its associations with health literacy and other contextual factors (acculturation, decisional regret, and satisfaction with informed consent) and sociodemographic characteristics, including age, race/ethnicity, parental language, educational level, insurance type, marital status, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Of 97 parents included, the majority were women (65 [67%]), married (71 [73%]), and of self-reported Hispanic ethnicity (50 [52%]). Lower perception of voluntariness was significantly associated with lower health literacy (r = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11-0.47; P = .004), Spanish language (x̅ = -4.50, P = .05), lower acculturation if of Hispanic ethnicity (r = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.02-0.54; P = .05), greater decisional regret (r = -0.54; 95% CI, -0.67 to -0.38; P < .001), and lower satisfaction with informed consent (r = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21-0.54; P < .001) in univariable analysis. Lower health literacy remained significantly associated with lower perception of voluntariness in multivariable analysis after adjustment for contextual factors and sociodemographic characteristics (β = 4.06; 95% CI, 1.60-6.53; P = .001). Lower health literacy was significantly associated with Hispanic ethnicity (mean, 4.16; 95% CI, 3.75-4.57; P < .001), Spanish language spoken at home (mean, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.94-4.40; P < .001), high school or less educational level (mean, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.83-3.99; P < .001), public insurance (mean, 4.00; 95% CI, 3.55-4.45; P < .001), and unmarried status (mean, 3.71; 95% CI, 2.91-4.51; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among parents of children with newly diagnosed leukemia who had consented for their child's participation in a therapeutic clinical trial, lower perception of voluntariness was significantly associated with lower health literacy. These results suggest that parents with low health literacy may perceive external influences in their decision for their child's participation in clinical trials. This finding highlights the potential role of recruitment interventions tailored to the participant's health literacy level to improve voluntary informed consent in underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Aristizabal
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego
- Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - Arissa K. Ma
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Now with MemorialCare Health System, Fountain Valley, California
| | - Nikhil V. Kumar
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Bianca P. Perdomo
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego
- Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - Courtney D. Thornburg
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego
| | - Maria Elena Martinez
- Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Jesse Nodora
- Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
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Hasan F, Widger K, Sung L, Wheaton L. End-of-Life Childhood Cancer Research: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-003780. [PMID: 33597286 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-003780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Children with incurable cancer may participate in research studies at the end of life (EOL). These studies create knowledge that can improve the care of future patients. OBJECTIVE To describe stakeholder perspectives regarding research studies involving children with cancer at the EOL by conduct of a systematic review. DATA SOURCES We used the following data sources: Ovid Medline, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest (inception until August 2020). STUDY SELECTION We selected 24 articles published in English that examined perceptions or experiences of research participation for children with cancer at the EOL from the perspectives of children, parents, and health professionals (HPs). DATA EXTRACTION Two authors independently extracted data, assessed study quality, and performed thematic analysis and synthesis. RESULTS Eight themes were identified: (1) seeking control; (2) faith, hope, and uncertainty; (3) being a good parent; (4) helping others; (5) barriers and facilitators; (6) information and understanding; (7) the role of HPs in consent and beyond; and (8) involvement of the child in decision-making. LIMITATIONS Study designs were heterogeneous. Only one study discussed palliative care research. CONCLUSIONS Some families participate in EOL research seeking to gain control and sustain hope, despite uncertainty. Other families choose against research, prioritizing quality of life. Parents may perceive research participation as the role of a "good parent" and hope to help others. HPs have positive views of EOL research but fear that parents lack understanding of the purpose of studies and the likelihood of benefit. We identified barriers to research participation and informed consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fyeza Hasan
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada;
| | - Kimberley Widger
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; and
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Alahmad G, Al-Kamli H, Alzahrani H. Ethical Challenges of Pediatric Cancer Care: Interviews With Nurses in Saudi Arabia. Cancer Control 2020; 27:1073274820917210. [PMID: 32292067 PMCID: PMC7160780 DOI: 10.1177/1073274820917210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid and successful development in pediatric cancer treatment, many ethical challenges remain. These challenges have been, and continue to be, the subject of much research, but few qualitative studies have explored the views of nurses, especially in the Middle East. This study, therefore, seeks to fill a knowledge gap in this area and to better understand the concerns of nurses-particularly those in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 male and female nurses working in pediatric units at 2 hospitals in Saudi Arabia to explore their views on the ethical challenges in caring for children with cancer. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, then line-by-line encoded, merged, and categorized into themes. Our results show that pediatric cancer is perceived as being "different" from other diseases, and from cancer in adults. Nurses are an integral part of the medical care team and are aware of the importance of their role, as well as the special relationships that they develop with the children. Consent is mandatory and necessary and can be signed by any parent. Assent is important when children become able to give it. Pediatric cancer is seen as a different disease by nurses for various reasons. Their roles and relationships with children and families pose many challenges. Though parental consent and child assent are essential, nurses' collaboration is important for shared decision-making. Our study paves the way for broader studies to understand the concerns of nurses and other health-care providers about treating children with pediatric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghiath Alahmad
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Halah Al-Kamli
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen Alzahrani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Koonrungsesomboon N, Traivaree C, Tiyapsane C, Karbwang J. Improved parental understanding by an enhanced informed consent form: a randomized controlled study nested in a paediatric drug trial. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029530. [PMID: 31772085 PMCID: PMC6887000 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of the enhanced informed consent form (ICF) methodology, proposed by the Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER), in paediatric research requiring parental consent. The objective of this study was to compare the parental understanding of information between the parents who read the SIDCER ICF and those who read the conventional ICF. DESIGN A prospective, randomized, controlled design. SETTING Paediatric Outpatients Department, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Thailand. PARTICIPANTS 210 parents of children with thalassemia (age=35.6 ± 13.1 years). INTERVENTIONS The parents were randomly assigned to read either the SIDCER ICF (n=105) or the conventional ICF (n=105) of a paediatric drug trial. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Parental understanding of trial information was determined using 24 scenario-based questions. The primary endpoint was the proportion of parents who obtained the understanding score of more than 80%, and the secondary endpoint was the total score. RESULTS Forty-five parents (42.9%) in the SIDCER ICF group and 29 parents (27.6%) in the conventional ICF group achieved the primary endpoint (relative risk=1.552, 95% CI 1.061 to 2.270, p=0.021). The total score of the parents in the SIDCER ICF group was significantly higher than the conventional ICF group (18.07±3.71 vs 15.98±4.56, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS The SIDCER ICF was found to be superior to the conventional ICF in improving parental understanding of trial information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nut Koonrungsesomboon
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chanchai Traivaree
- Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charnunnut Tiyapsane
- Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juntra Karbwang
- Department of Clinical Product Development, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Béranger A, Bouazza N, de Haut de Sigy A, Foubert-Wenc AC, Davous D, Aerts I, Geoerger B, Auvrignon A, Brethon B, Leblond P, Corradini N, André N, Martinez H, Dupont JCK, Doz F, Chappuy H. Parents' and children's comprehension and decision in a paediatric early phase oncology trial: a prospective study. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:947-952. [PMID: 30472665 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse parents' and children's understanding of consent information and assess their decision-making process in paediatric oncology. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTINGS Eleven French paediatric oncology units. PATIENTS Parents and children who have been asked to give consent for participation in an early phase trial. INTERVENTIONS Thirty-seven children and 119 parents were questioned using an audio-recorded semistructured interview. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The participants' understanding of nine elements of the informed consent was assessed by comparing their answers with the informed consent leaflet. Their decision-making process was also evaluated. RESULTS Most parents and children had an excellent understanding regarding their participation in a clinical trial (respectively 88.2% and 48.6%), the right to withdraw (76.5% and 43.2%) and the prospects of collective benefits (74.8% and 48.6%). By contrast, less than half of the parents and few of the children correctly understood the alternatives (respectively 47.5% and 27%), the risks related to participation (44.5% and 10.8%), the prospects of individual benefits (33.6% and 10.8%) and the purpose of the clinical trial (12.6% and 2.7%). Twenty-six (70.3%) children participated in the decision-making process. Most parents and children felt they had no choice but to participate in the trial to have access to a new anticancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS What might appear to be a poor understanding of the research protocol may actually correspond to the families' interpretation of the situation as a coping mechanism. All children (except infants) should get age-tailored information in order for them to have a meaningful involvement in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Béranger
- Unité de recherche clinique, hôpital Cochin-Necker, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Naïm Bouazza
- Unité de recherche clinique, hôpital Cochin-Necker, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Amélie de Haut de Sigy
- Unité de recherche clinique, hôpital Cochin-Necker, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Anne-Charlotte Foubert-Wenc
- Unité de recherche clinique, hôpital Cochin-Necker, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Dominique Davous
- CHU Saint Louis, Espace éthique région Ile-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aerts
- Centre Oncologie SIREDO (Soins, Innovation et Recherche pour enfants, adolescents et jeunes adultes atteints de cancer), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Département d'oncologie pédiatrique et pour adolescents, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Anne Auvrignon
- Hémato-Immuno-Oncologie Pédiatrique, hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Benoît Brethon
- Hématologie immunologie pédiatrique, hôpital Robert Debré, AP-HP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Leblond
- Oncologie pédiatrique, Centre Oscar Lambret, Centre régional de lutte contre le cancer, Lille, France
| | - Nadège Corradini
- Service d'hématologie et oncologie pédiatrique, hôpital Mère-Enfant, Nantes, France.,Institut d'hématologie et d'oncologie pédiatrique (IHOPe), Centre régional de lutte contre le cancer, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas André
- Hématologie et oncologie pédiatrique, hôpital de la Timone, AP-HM, Marseille, France.,INSERM UMR 911, Centre de recherche en oncologie biologique et en oncopharmacologie, Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Hélène Martinez
- Institut d'hématologie et d'oncologie pédiatrique (IHOPe), Centre régional de lutte contre le cancer, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Claude K Dupont
- Hospinnomics, Paris School of Economics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Doz
- Centre Oncologie SIREDO (Soins, Innovation et Recherche pour enfants, adolescents et jeunes adultes atteints de cancer), Institut Curie, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Chappuy
- Unité de recherche clinique, hôpital Cochin-Necker, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, Île-de-France, France.,Urgences pédiatriques, hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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Santel F, Bah I, Kim K, Lin JA, McCracken J, Teme A. Assessing readability and comprehension of informed consent materials for medical device research: A survey of informed consents from FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Contemp Clin Trials 2019; 85:105831. [PMID: 31445173 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2019.105831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Legally effective informed consent has been a long-standing requirement for FDA-regulated clinical studies. However, informed consent forms (ICFs) are often thought to be too long, too complex, and too difficult for participants to understand. In this article, investigators from the FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) surveyed 399 ICFs from approved investigational device exemption (IDE) applications for fiscal years 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the readability of ICFs. The investigators collected data from the ICFs, using variables related to structure, readability, and comprehension. The investigators found that the mean grade-reading levels of the ICFs ranged from 10th grade to college level (Table 2), higher than the recommended 6th to 8th grade level, when measured by major readability evaluation tools (the SMOG readability grade level formula, the Flesch-Kincaid Index Grade Level Readability Formula, the Flesch Reading Ease test, and the Dale-Chall readability formula). Overall, the ICFs and informed consent (IC) processes, as described in the IDE application, lacked components that enhanced participants' comprehension, such as short sentences (e.g., no more than 8 to 10 to words) and the use of pictures, tables, and diagrams. CDRH investigators believe that information about ICFs' readability, comprehension, and structure will help support current and future efforts to improve the IC process. The intent of the article is to demonstrate that improvements are needed in the IC process and to encourage clinical trial stakeholders to consider implementing those approaches that optimize patient comprehension in the development of their IC processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Santel
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America.
| | - Isatu Bah
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Katherine Kim
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Ja-An Lin
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Jack McCracken
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Adaeze Teme
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America.
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Alahmad G. Informed Consent in Pediatric Oncology: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Literature. Cancer Control 2018; 25:1073274818773720. [PMID: 29716399 PMCID: PMC6028177 DOI: 10.1177/1073274818773720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obtaining informed consent in pediatric cancer research can be subject to important ethical challenges because of the difficulty in distinguishing between care and research, which are interrelated. Pediatric oncologists also often conduct research, such as clinical trials, on their own patients, which may influence voluntary informed consent. This review aims to determine the ethical issues encountered in obtaining informed consent in pediatric oncology by identifying and summarizing the findings of existing qualitative studies on this topic. METHODS A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched using the following terms: (oncolog* or cancer or hematol* or haematol* or leuk* or malign* or neoplasm*) and (child* or adolescent* or minor* or young people or pediatr* or paediatr*) and ethic* or moral*) and (qualitative or interview). Other sources were also mined to identify all relevant studies. The data analysis method used was thematic analysis. RESULTS At the end of the search process, 2361 studies were identified. Duplicates were removed and irrelevant studies were excluded. After screening the full text of the remaining studies against our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. All studies were qualitative studies using semistructured and structured interviews, qualitative analysis of open-ended questions, and observation of informed consent conferences. Four themes were identified: parental comprehension of the trial and medical terms, influence of parental distress on decision-making, no offer of an alternative treatment, and influence of the doctor-parent relationship. CONCLUSION Many ethical challenges affect the informed consent process. These challenges may include a lack of parental understanding, the potential influence of treating doctors, and vulnerability because of psychological status. All of these result in parents being unable to give well-informed and voluntary consent. Researchers are encouraged to adopt a stepwise approach during the informed consent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghiath Alahmad
- 1 King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Benjaminy S, Lo C, Illes J, Traboulsee A. Reflections on translation: Views of participants in a multisite Canadian CCSVI clinical trial. Neurol Clin Pract 2018; 8:232-239. [PMID: 30105163 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background We sought to characterize the perspectives of participants in Canada's phase I/II chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) clinical trial prior to and after the disclosure of trial results. Methods This was a researcher-administered survey of individuals who participated in Canada's CCSVI trial (Clincialtrials.gov, NCT01864941) about their (1) motivations for participating, (2) understanding of the trial process, and (3) perspectives on the social value of the trial. Results A total of 63 participants completed the survey. Participants were motivated to participate by altruism (mean score = 4.56 out of 5) and a desire to access the intervention in Canada (mean score = 3.63 out of 5). Many participants expected medical benefits, such as partial disease reversal (mean score = 3.32 out of 5). Participants felt strongly that the crossover trial design promoted fairness (mean score = 4.65 out of 5). Participants' familiarity with the CCSVI controversy increased significantly after the results were revealed (p = 0.0001). Despite negative trial results, participants still felt that the trial was an appropriate use of tax dollars (mean score = 4.68 out of 5). Many (38%) upheld the belief that further CCSVI research is necessary (responses of 4 out of 5 or higher). Conclusions There is a strong movement in science today to ensure that research agendas reflect the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including research participants. While previous work suggests that negative findings adversely affect trust in science, the perspectives of participants in this study demonstrate that good trial design and resilience can prevail over expected tensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Benjaminy
- Neuroethics Canada (SB, CL, JI) and Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (SB, CL, JI, AT), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. SB is currently affiliated with AbilityLab, Chicago, IL
| | - Cody Lo
- Neuroethics Canada (SB, CL, JI) and Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (SB, CL, JI, AT), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. SB is currently affiliated with AbilityLab, Chicago, IL
| | - Judy Illes
- Neuroethics Canada (SB, CL, JI) and Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (SB, CL, JI, AT), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. SB is currently affiliated with AbilityLab, Chicago, IL
| | - Anthony Traboulsee
- Neuroethics Canada (SB, CL, JI) and Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (SB, CL, JI, AT), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. SB is currently affiliated with AbilityLab, Chicago, IL
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16
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Robertson EG, Wakefield CE, Signorelli C, Cohn RJ, Patenaude A, Foster C, Pettit T, Fardell JE. Strategies to facilitate shared decision-making about pediatric oncology clinical trial enrollment: A systematic review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2018; 101:1157-1174. [PMID: 29455939 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review to identify the strategies that have been recommended in the literature to facilitate shared decision-making regarding enrolment in pediatric oncology clinical trials. METHODS We searched seven databases for peer-reviewed literature, published 1990-2017. Of 924 articles identified, 17 studies were eligible for the review. We assessed study quality using the 'Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool'. We coded the results and discussions of papers line-by-line using nVivo software. We categorized strategies thematically. RESULTS Five main themes emerged: 1) decision-making as a process, 2) individuality of the process; 3) information provision, 4) the role of communication, or 5) decision and psychosocial support. Families should have adequate time to make a decision. HCPs should elicit parents' and patients' preferences for level of information and decision involvement. Information should be clear and provided in multiple modalities. Articles also recommended providing training for healthcare professionals and access to psychosocial support for families. CONCLUSION High quality, individually-tailored information, open communication and psychosocial support appear vital in supporting decision-making regarding enrollment in clinical trials. These data will usefully inform future decision-making interventions/tools to support families making clinical trial decisions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS A solid evidence-base for effective strategies which facilitate shared decision-making is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden G Robertson
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia.
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Christina Signorelli
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Richard J Cohn
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Andrea Patenaude
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Claire Foster
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tristan Pettit
- Children's Haematology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Joanna E Fardell
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
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17
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Abdel-Rahman SM. Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Illustrated Permission/Assent Form. J Immigr Minor Health 2017; 17:1504-8. [PMID: 25274022 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0116-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Issues of language and literacy represent a significant barrier to participation in clinical research. This study was designed to explore whether illustrating the permission/assent (P/A) document offers an alternative strategy for communicating study related information to underserved populations. Participants were verbally introduced to a mock study and asked to review the corresponding P/A form with companion pictorials. Questionnaires were used to examine whether the form addressed essential elements of a P/A (as defined under the Code of Federal Regulations) and evaluate the effectiveness of the companion pictures. Over 93% of participants agreed that the form addressed the required basic elements of a P/A. Pictures depicting study procedures were highly effective while images depicting nebulous concepts such as research and voluntariness were deemed less effective. The medical research community can expand enrollment opportunities to underserved populations by using visual aids to complement the informed consent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Abdel-Rahman
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA,
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Parker MJ, de Laat S, Schwartz L. Exploring the experiences of substitute decision-makers with an exception to consent in a paediatric resuscitation randomised controlled trial: study protocol for a qualitative research study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e012931. [PMID: 27625066 PMCID: PMC5030536 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prospective informed consent is required for most research involving human participants; however, this is impracticable under some circumstances. The Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS) outlines the requirements for research involving human participants in Canada. The need for an exception to consent (deferred consent) is recognised and endorsed in the TCPS for research in individual medical emergencies; however, little is known about substitute decision-maker (SDM) experiences. A paediatric resuscitation trial (SQUEEZE) (NCT01973907) using an exception to consent process began enrolling at McMaster Children's Hospital in January 2014. This qualitative research study aims to generate new knowledge on SDM experiences with the exception to consent process as implemented in a randomised controlled trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The SDMs of children enrolled into the SQUEEZE pilot trial will be the sampling frame from which ethics study participants will be derived. DESIGN Qualitative research study involving individual interviews and grounded theory methodology. PARTICIPANTS SDMs for children enrolled into the SQUEEZE pilot trial. SAMPLE SIZE Up to 25 SDMs. Qualitative methodology: SDMs will be invited to participate in the qualitative ethics study. Interviews with consenting SDMs will be conducted in person or by telephone, taped and professionally transcribed. Participants will be encouraged to elaborate on their experience of being asked to consent after the fact and how this process occurred. ANALYSIS Data gathering and analysis will be undertaken simultaneously. The investigators will collaborate in developing the coding scheme, and data will be coded using NVivo. Emerging themes will be identified. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This research represents a rare opportunity to interview parents/guardians of critically ill children enrolled into a resuscitation trial without their knowledge or prior consent. Findings will inform implementation of the exception to consent process in the planned definitive SQUEEZE trial and support development of evidence-based ethics guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Parker
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonya de Laat
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Schwartz
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Foe G, Larson EL. Reading Level and Comprehension of Research Consent Forms. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2016; 11:31-46. [DOI: 10.1177/1556264616637483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Consent forms continue to be at a higher reading level than the recommended sixth to eighth grade, making it difficult for participants to comprehend information before enrolling in research. To assess and address the extent of the problem regarding the level of literacy of consent forms and update previously published reports, we conducted an integrative literature review of English language research published between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2013; 35 descriptive and eight intervention studies met inclusion criteria. Results confirmed that developing forms at eighth-grade level was attainable though not practiced. It was found that risks of participation was the section most poorly understood. There was also a lack of consensus regarding the most effective method to increase comprehension. Further research using standardized tools is needed to determine the best approach for improving consent forms and processes.
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20
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Mireskandari K, Collins ME, Tehrani N. Intravitreal bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity: Considerations for informed consent. Can J Ophthalmol 2015; 50:409-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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21
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Woolfall K, Frith L, Gamble C, Gilbert R, Mok Q, Young B. How parents and practitioners experience research without prior consent (deferred consent) for emergency research involving children with life threatening conditions: a mixed method study. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e008522. [PMID: 26384724 PMCID: PMC4577875 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alternatives to prospective informed consent to enable children with life-threatening conditions to be entered into trials of emergency treatments are needed. Across Europe, a process called deferred consent has been developed as an alternative. Little is known about the views and experiences of those with first-hand experience of this controversial consent process. To inform how consent is sought for future paediatric critical care trials, we explored the views and experiences of parents and practitioners involved in the CATheter infections in CHildren (CATCH) trial, which allowed for deferred consent in certain circumstances. DESIGN Mixed method survey, interview and focus group study. PARTICIPANTS 275 parents completed a questionnaire; 20 families participated in an interview (18 mothers, 5 fathers). 17 CATCH practitioners participated in one of four focus groups (10 nurses, 3 doctors and 4 clinical trial unit staff). SETTING 12 UK children's hospitals. RESULTS Some parents were momentarily shocked or angered to discover that their child had or could have been entered into CATCH without their prior consent. Although these feelings resolved after the reasons why consent needed to be deferred were explained and that the CATCH interventions were already used in clinical care. Prior to seeking deferred consent for the first few times, CATCH practitioners were apprehensive, although their feelings abated with experience of talking to parents about CATCH. Parents reported that their decisions about their child's participation in the trial had been voluntary. However, mistiming the deferred consent discussion had caused distress for some. Practitioners and parents supported the use of deferred consent in CATCH and in future trials of interventions already used in clinical care. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence to support the use of deferred consent in paediatric emergency medicine; it also indicates the crucial importance of practitioner communication and appropriate timing of deferred consent discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Woolfall
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lucy Frith
- Department of Health Service Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Carrol Gamble
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Quen Mok
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, London, UK
| | - Bridget Young
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Kleiber N, Tromp K, Mooij MG, van de Vathorst S, Tibboel D, de Wildt SN. Ethics of drug research in the pediatric intensive care unit. Paediatr Drugs 2015; 17:43-53. [PMID: 25354987 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-014-0101-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Critical illness and treatment modalities change pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications used in critically ill children, in addition to age-related changes in drug disposition and effect. Hence, to ensure effective and safe drug therapy, research in this population is urgently needed. However, conducting research in the vulnerable population of the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) presents with ethical challenges. This article addresses the main ethical issues specific to drug research in these critically ill children and proposes several solutions. The extraordinary environment of the PICU raises specific challenges to the design and conduct of research. The need for proxy consent of parents (or legal guardians) and the stress-inducing physical environment may threaten informed consent. The informed consent process is challenging because emergency research reduces or even eliminates the time to seek consent. Moreover, parental anxiety may impede adequate understanding and generate misconceptions. Alternative forms of consent have been developed taking into account the unpredictable reality of the acute critical care environment. As with any research in children, the burden and risk should be minimized. Recent developments in sample collection and analysis as well as pharmacokinetic analysis should be considered in the design of studies. Despite the difficulties inherent to drug research in critically ill children, methods are available to conduct ethically sound research resulting in relevant and generalizable data. This should motivate the PICU community to commit to drug research to ultimately provide the right drug at the right dose for every individual child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina Kleiber
- Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Tam NT, Huy NT, Thoa LTB, Long NP, Trang NTH, Hirayama K, Karbwang J. Participants' understanding of informed consent in clinical trials over three decades: systematic review and meta-analysis. Bull World Health Organ 2015; 93:186-98H. [PMID: 25883410 PMCID: PMC4371493 DOI: 10.2471/blt.14.141390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the proportion of participants in clinical trials who understand different components of informed consent. METHODS Relevant studies were identified by a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar and by manually reviewing reference lists for publications up to October 2013. A meta-analysis of study results was performed using a random-effects model to take account of heterogeneity. FINDINGS The analysis included 103 studies evaluating 135 cohorts of participants. The pooled proportion of participants who understood components of informed consent was 75.8% for freedom to withdraw at any time, 74.7% for the nature of study, 74.7% for the voluntary nature of participation, 74.0% for potential benefits, 69.6% for the study's purpose, 67.0% for potential risks and side-effects, 66.2% for confidentiality, 64.1% for the availability of alternative treatment if withdrawn, 62.9% for knowing that treatments were being compared, 53.3% for placebo and 52.1% for randomization. Most participants, 62.4%, had no therapeutic misconceptions and 54.9% could name at least one risk. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses identified covariates, such as age, educational level, critical illness, the study phase and location, that significantly affected understanding and indicated that the proportion of participants who understood informed consent had not increased over 30 years. CONCLUSION The proportion of participants in clinical trials who understood different components of informed consent varied from 52.1% to 75.8%. Investigators could do more to help participants achieve a complete understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thanh Tam
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- Department of Clinical Product Development, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Le Thi Bich Thoa
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Phuoc Long
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | | | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Juntra Karbwang
- Department of Clinical Product Development, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Mussai FJ, Yap C, Mitchell C, Kearns P. Challenges of clinical trial design for targeted agents against pediatric leukemias. Front Oncol 2015; 4:374. [PMID: 25610810 PMCID: PMC4285052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The past 40 years have seen significant improvements in both event-free and overall survival for children with acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemia (ALL and AML, respectively). Serial national and international clinical trials have optimized the use of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and, along with improvements in supportive care that have enabled the delivery of more intensive regimens, have been responsible for the major improvements in patient outcome seen over the past few decades. However, the benefits of dose intensification have likely now been maximized, and over the same period, the identification of new cytotoxic drugs has been limited. Therefore, challenges remain if survival is to be improved further. In pediatric ALL, 5-year-survival rates of over 85% have been achieved with risk-stratified therapy, but a notable minority of patients will still not be cured. In pediatric AML, different challenges remain. A slower improvement in overall survival has taken place in this patient population. Despite the obvious morphological heterogeneity of AML blasts, biological stratification is comparatively limited, and translation into risk-stratified therapeutic approaches has only best characterized by the use of retinoic acid for t(15;17)-positive AML. Even where prognostic markers have been identified, limited therapeutic options or multi-drug resistance of AML blasts has limited the impact on patient benefit. For both, the acute morbidities of current treatment remain significant and may be life-threatening alone. In addition, the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) highlighted many leukemia survivors develop one or more chronic medical conditions attributable to treatment (1, 2). As the biology of leukemogenesis has become better understood, key molecules and intracellular pathways have been identified that offer the possibility of targeting directly the leukemia cells while sparing normal cells. Consequently, there is now a drive to develop novel leukemia-specific or "targeted" therapies. These new classes of drugs will have mechanisms of action, toxicities, and therapeutic indices quite different from conventional cytotoxic drugs previously encountered, thus rendering current clinical trial methodologies inappropriate. Clinical trial methods will need to be adapted to accommodate these features of these new classes of drugs. This review will address the challenges and some of the techniques for developing clinical trials for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Yap
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher Mitchell
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pamela Kearns
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Montalvo W, Larson E. Participant comprehension of research for which they volunteer: a systematic review. J Nurs Scholarsh 2014; 46:423-31. [PMID: 25130209 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence indicates that research participants often do not fully understand the studies for which they have volunteered. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the relationship between the process of obtaining informed consent for research and participant comprehension and satisfaction with the research. DESIGN Systematic review of published research on informed consent and participant comprehension of research for which they volunteer using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement as a guide. METHODS PubMed, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were used to search the literature for studies meeting the following inclusion criteria: (a) published between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2013, (b) interventional or descriptive quantitative design, (c) published in a peer-reviewed journal, (d) written in English, and (e) assessed participant comprehension or satisfaction with the research process. Studies were assessed for quality using seven indicators: sampling method, use of controls or comparison groups, response rate, description of intervention, description of outcome, statistical method, and health literacy assessment. FINDINGS Of 176 studies identified, 27 met inclusion criteria: 13 (48%) were randomized interventional designs and 14 (52%) were descriptive. Three categories of studies included projects assessing (a) enhanced consent process or form, (b) multimedia methods, and (c) education to improve participant understanding. Most (78%) used investigator-developed tools to assess participant comprehension, did not assess participant health literacy (74%), or did not assess the readability level of the consent form (89%). Researchers found participants lacked basic understanding of research elements: randomization, placebo, risks, and therapeutic misconception. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate (a) inconsistent assessment of participant reading or health literacy level, (b) measurement variation associated with use of nonstandardized tools, and (c) continued therapeutic misconception and lack of understanding among research participants of randomization, placebo, benefit, and risk. While the Agency for Healthcare and Quality and National Quality Forum have published informed consent and authorization toolkits, previously published validated tools are underutilized. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Informed consent requires the assessment of health literacy, reading level, and comprehension of research participants using validated assessment tools and methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Montalvo
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
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Woolfall K, Young B, Frith L, Appleton R, Iyer A, Messahel S, Hickey H, Gamble C. Doing challenging research studies in a patient-centred way: a qualitative study to inform a randomised controlled trial in the paediatric emergency care setting. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e005045. [PMID: 24833694 PMCID: PMC4025463 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To inform the design of a randomised controlled trial (called EcLiPSE) to improve the treatment of children with convulsive status epilepticus (CSE). EcLiPSE requires the use of a controversial deferred consent process. DESIGN Qualitative interview and focus group study. SETTING 8 UK support groups for parents of children who have chronic or acute health conditions and experience of paediatric emergency care. PARTICIPANTS 17 parents, of whom 11 participated in telephone interviews (10 mothers, 1 father) and 6 in a focus group (5 mothers, 1 father). 6 parents (35%) were bereaved and 7 (41%) had children who had experienced seizures, including CSE. RESULTS Most parents had not heard of deferred consent, yet they supported its use to enable the progress of emergency care research providing a child's safety was not compromised by the research. Parents were reassured by tailored explanation, which focused their attention on aspects of EcLiPSE that addressed their priorities and concerns. These aspects included the safety of the interventions under investigation and how both EcLiPSE interventions are used in routine clinical practice. Parents made recommendations about the appropriate timing of a recruitment discussion, the need to individualise approaches to recruiting bereaved parents and the use of clear written information. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided information to help ensure that a challenging trial was patient centred in its design. We will use our findings to help EcLiPSE practitioners to: discuss potentially threatening trial safety information with parents, use open-ended questions and prompts to identify their priorities and concerns and clarify related aspects of written trial information to assist understanding and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Woolfall
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bridget Young
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lucy Frith
- Department of Health Service Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard Appleton
- The Roald Dahl EEG Unit, Paediatric Neurosciences Foundation, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anand Iyer
- The Roald Dahl EEG Unit, Paediatric Neurosciences Foundation, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Shrouk Messahel
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Helen Hickey
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Carrol Gamble
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Synnot A, Ryan R, Prictor M, Fetherstonhaugh D, Parker B. Audio-visual presentation of information for informed consent for participation in clinical trials. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD003717. [PMID: 24809816 PMCID: PMC6599866 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003717.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informed consent is a critical component of clinical research. Different methods of presenting information to potential participants of clinical trials may improve the informed consent process. Audio-visual interventions (presented, for example, on the Internet or on DVD) are one such method. We updated a 2008 review of the effects of these interventions for informed consent for trial participation. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of audio-visual information interventions regarding informed consent compared with standard information or placebo audio-visual interventions regarding informed consent for potential clinical trial participants, in terms of their understanding, satisfaction, willingness to participate, and anxiety or other psychological distress. SEARCH METHODS We searched: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), The Cochrane Library, issue 6, 2012; MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1946 to 13 June 2012); EMBASE (OvidSP) (1947 to 12 June 2012); PsycINFO (OvidSP) (1806 to June week 1 2012); CINAHL (EbscoHOST) (1981 to 27 June 2012); Current Contents (OvidSP) (1993 Week 27 to 2012 Week 26); and ERIC (Proquest) (searched 27 June 2012). We also searched reference lists of included studies and relevant review articles, and contacted study authors and experts. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing audio-visual information alone, or in conjunction with standard forms of information provision (such as written or verbal information), with standard forms of information provision or placebo audio-visual information, in the informed consent process for clinical trials. Trials involved individuals or their guardians asked to consider participating in a real or hypothetical clinical study. (In the earlier version of this review we only included studies evaluating informed consent interventions for real studies). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. We synthesised the findings using meta-analysis, where possible, and narrative synthesis of results. We assessed the risk of bias of individual studies and considered the impact of the quality of the overall evidence on the strength of the results. MAIN RESULTS We included 16 studies involving data from 1884 participants. Nine studies included participants considering real clinical trials, and eight included participants considering hypothetical clinical trials, with one including both. All studies were conducted in high-income countries.There is still much uncertainty about the effect of audio-visual informed consent interventions on a range of patient outcomes. However, when considered across comparisons, we found low to very low quality evidence that such interventions may slightly improve knowledge or understanding of the parent trial, but may make little or no difference to rate of participation or willingness to participate. Audio-visual presentation of informed consent may improve participant satisfaction with the consent information provided. However its effect on satisfaction with other aspects of the process is not clear. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about anxiety arising from audio-visual informed consent. We found conflicting, very low quality evidence about whether audio-visual interventions took more or less time to administer. No study measured researcher satisfaction with the informed consent process, nor ease of use.The evidence from real clinical trials was rated as low quality for most outcomes, and for hypothetical studies, very low. We note, however, that this was in large part due to poor study reporting, the hypothetical nature of some studies and low participant numbers, rather than inconsistent results between studies or confirmed poor trial quality. We do not believe that any studies were funded by organisations with a vested interest in the results. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The value of audio-visual interventions as a tool for helping to enhance the informed consent process for people considering participating in clinical trials remains largely unclear, although trends are emerging with regard to improvements in knowledge and satisfaction. Many relevant outcomes have not been evaluated in randomised trials. Triallists should continue to explore innovative methods of providing information to potential trial participants during the informed consent process, mindful of the range of outcomes that the intervention should be designed to achieve, and balancing the resource implications of intervention development and delivery against the purported benefits of any intervention.More trials, adhering to CONSORT standards, and conducted in settings and populations underserved in this review, i.e. low- and middle-income countries and people with low literacy, would strengthen the results of this review and broaden its applicability. Assessing process measures, such as time taken to administer the intervention and researcher satisfaction, would inform the implementation of audio-visual consent materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan Prictor
- School of Public Health and Human Biosciences, La Trobe UniversityCochrane Consumers and Communication Review GroupBundooraAustralia3086
| | - Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh
- La Trobe UniversityAustralian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care (ACEBAC)BundooraAustralia3086
| | - Barbara Parker
- La Trobe UniversityAustralian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing, Faculty of Health SciencesBundooraAustralia3086
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Carvalho AA, Costa LR. Mothers' perceptions of their child's enrollment in a randomized clinical trial: poor understanding, vulnerability and contradictory feelings. BMC Med Ethics 2013; 14:52. [PMID: 24325658 PMCID: PMC4029166 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-14-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the views of mothers when their children are invited to participate in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating medicines and/or invasive procedures. Our goal was to understand mothers’ perceptions of the processes of informed consent and randomization in a RCT that divided uncooperative children into three intervention groups (physical restraint, sedation, and general anesthesia) for dental rehabilitation. Methods This is a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with mothers accompanying children under 3 years old presenting severe early childhood caries. Their responses were analyzed using content analysis. Results We identified one major theme from 15 mothers’ responses – “Understanding of, attitudes toward, and feelings about consenting to participate in a RCT involving advanced behavior guidance techniques and about randomization” – that was derived from the following subcategories: confusion in defining techniques, questions after signing the consent form, lack of knowledge about the techniques, acceptance or questioning of the drawing, sharing responsibility with the child during the drawing, and feelings of faith in God, fear, powerlessness to choose, and relief from or an increase in pressure. Conclusions Despite mothers’ misunderstanding, vulnerability, and contradictory feelings, they were willing to overlook their thoughts in order to complete their children’s dental treatment.
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Recruitment in pediatric clinical research was influenced by study characteristics and pediatricians' perceptions: a multicenter survey. J Clin Epidemiol 2013; 66:1151-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Woolfall K, Shilling V, Hickey H, Smyth RL, Sowden E, Williamson PR, Young B. Parents' agendas in paediatric clinical trial recruitment are different from researchers' and often remain unvoiced: a qualitative study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67352. [PMID: 23844006 PMCID: PMC3701006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ensuring parents make an informed decision about their child's participation in a clinical trial is a challenge for practitioners as a parent's comprehension of a trial may differ from that intended by the practitioners responsible for recruitment. We explored what issues parents consider important when making a decision about participation in a paediatric clinical trial and their comprehension of these issues to inform future recruitment practice. This qualitative interview and observational study examined recruitment in four placebo-controlled, double-blind randomised clinical trials of medicines for children. Audio-recorded trial recruitment discussions between practitioners and parents (N = 41) were matched with semi-structured interviews with parents (N = 41). When making a decision about trial entry parents considered clinical benefit, child safety, practicalities of participation, research for the common good, access to medication and randomisation. Within these prioritised issues parents had specific misunderstandings, which had the potential to influence their decisions. While parents had many questions and concerns about trial participation which influenced their decision-making, they rarely voiced these during discussions about the trials with practitioners. Those involved in the recruitment of children to clinical trials need to be aware of parents' priorities and the sorts of misunderstandings that can arise with parents. Providing trial information that is tailored to what parents consider important in making a decision about a clinical trial may improve recruitment practice and ultimately benefit evidence-based paediatric medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Woolfall
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Over the past decades, clinical research has increasingly been subjected to ethical requirements and legal regulation. The specific focus of ethical and legal frameworks on competent adults (which serve as the paradigmatic research subject), however, has created an ambivalent attitude towards pediatric clinical research. On one hand, minors are regarded as a vulnerable population that deserves additional protection against the risks and burdens involved in clinical research. On the other hand, the population of minors should not be denied (or not get timely) access to the benefits of clinical research. In this paper, we will explore the legal regulation and ethical guidance that currently governs pediatric clinical research in the European Union and discuss the future challenges in this field. In addition, we will discuss major ethical concerns in pediatric clinical research, with a focus on the acceptability of research risks and the informed consent process. In the discussion, we will address key concerns in both regulating pediatric clinical research and implementing ethical and legal requirement in the actual pediatric research conduct.
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Chappuy H, Bouazza N, Minard-Colin V, Patte C, Brugières L, Landman-Parker J, Auvrignon A, Davous D, Pacquement H, Orbach D, Tréluyer JM, Doz F. Parental comprehension of the benefits/risks of first-line randomised clinical trials in children with solid tumours: a two-stage cross-sectional interview study. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2013-002733. [PMID: 23793670 PMCID: PMC3657641 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyse the parental understanding of informed consent information in first-line randomised clinical trials (RCTs) including children with malignant solid tumours and to assess parents' needs for decision-making. DESIGN Observational prospective study. SETTING 3 paediatric oncology centres in the Parisian region in France. PARTICIPANTS 53 parents were approached to participate in a RCT for their child with malignant solid tumour, over a 1-year period. 40 parents have been interviewed in our study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Parental understanding of information in RCTs, parents' needs for decision-making. Parents were questioned by a psychologist, independent of the paediatric oncology teams, using a semidirected interview, 1 (M1) and 6 months (M6) after the consent was sought. RESULTS 18 parents (45%) did not understand the concept of randomisation. Half of the parents could explain neither the aim of the clinical trial nor the potential benefit to their child of inclusion. 35 parents (87.5%) expressed very few specific risks related to the trial. Being mostly French-speaking (p=0.03) and the reading of the information sheet by the parents (p=0.0025) improved their understanding. The parental comprehension did not differ between M1 and M6. The principal factors underlying their decision were confidence in the medical team (39%), wish to access to the best treatment (37%) and the best quality of life (37%). CONCLUSIONS Despite medical explanations, parents have limited knowledge in some areas in first-line RCTs and improvements of information process are required. The risks specific to the randomised trial are underestimated by parents and the unproven nature of the treatment is not well-known or understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Chappuy
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris descartes, Paris, France
| | - Naim Bouazza
- Clinical Research Unit Paris centre, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Catherine Patte
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Brugières
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Paris, France
| | | | - Anne Auvrignon
- Departement of Pediatric Oncology, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Davous
- Association Apprivoiser l'absence, Cent pour Sang la Vie, Paris, France
| | | | - Daniel Orbach
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - François Doz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
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Garralda ME, McConachie H, Le Couteur A, Sriranjan S, Chakrabarti I, Cirak S, Guglieri M, Bushby K, Muntoni F. Emotional impact of genetic trials in progressive paediatric disorders: a dose-ranging exon-skipping trial in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Child Care Health Dev 2013; 39:449-55. [PMID: 22676208 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2012.01387.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene-modifying trials offer hope for improvement in chronic paediatric disorders, but they may also lead to disappointment and have an adverse emotional effect on families. This study aimed to examine emotional impact on participants in a paediatric exon-skipping trial. METHODS Nineteen male children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and their parents, taking part in a dose-ranging study of an i.v. administered morpholino splice-switching oligomer (which can restore the reading frame in DMD and induce dystrophin expression) underwent a psychosocial/psychiatric examination at trial entry. Emotional impact was assessed at trial completion using questionnaires. RESULTS The mean child age was 8.9 years (SD 2.1); 13(68%) were attending mainstream school. Most families were well adjusted psychosocially at trial entry. Post-trial median child emotional impact scores were 5/10 (n= 18), but impact was rated as positive by 6/14 (42%), neutral/mixed by 5 (35%) and negative by 3 (21%). Median post-trial psychosocial/psychiatric change scores in children and parents were minimal. Actual post-trial negative impact was statistically significantly associated with higher expected impact at trial entry, at which time the families of the three children displaying actual negative impact reported higher family stress levels in combination with a variety of other psychosocial risks factors. CONCLUSIONS In carefully selected families with low levels of psychosocial stress/distress at trial entry, and with good support from paediatric research units (including psychiatric input when required), genetic trials in progressive disorders such as DMD can have a predominantly positive or neutral emotional impact. Nevertheless, negative impact is reported by a minority of families and possible psychosocial predictors deserving further scrutiny have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Garralda
- Academic Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Petersen I, Spix C, Kaatsch P, Graf N, Janka G, Kollek R. Parental informed consent in pediatric cancer trials: a population-based survey in Germany. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60:446-50. [PMID: 23015470 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring adequate parental consent is a key issue of ethical practice in pediatric oncology. In Germany, however, knowledge about parental comprehension and satisfaction with the informed consent procedure is limited, and representative data on parents' perspectives are still missing. Based on data collected by means of a population-based survey, we evaluated the parental recall of the informed consent process for pediatric clinical trials, and how they rated the consent process retrospectively. PROCEDURE A standardized survey was carried out among 1,465 parents whose children were first diagnosed in 2005 with a disease defined by ICCC-3 in the German Childhood Cancer Registry (response: 55.1%). The survey's primary objective was to assess how well parents were able to recall of the informed consent process. To evaluate the results, we set up a second survey among 581 parents who had given consent recently for their child's participation in a clinical trial (response: 53.5%). RESULTS Approximately 81% of the parents in the population-based survey correctly remembered whether or not their child had been enrolled in a clinical trial or treated off-trial. The ability to recall accurately is significantly lower if the parents have a migration background or if their child was not a trial participant. However, parents who recalled the child's trial participation status incorrectly felt as adequately informed as parents who recalled it correctly. CONCLUSIONS Our results identified weak points and vulnerable subgroups in the parental consent process in pediatric oncology in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imme Petersen
- University of Hamburg, Research Centre for Biotechnology, Society and the Environment, 22529 Hamburg, Germany.
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MacNeill V, Nwokoro C, Griffiths C, Grigg J, Seale C. Recruiting ethnic minority participants to a clinical trial: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2013-002750. [PMID: 23572193 PMCID: PMC3641476 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the motives and experiences of different ethnic groups participating in a randomised double blind placebo-controlled trial of montelukast in preschool wheeze, and to assess parents' or guardians' understanding of trial procedures and their implications, including the collection of genetic material. DESIGN Qualitative interviews with parents or guardians. SETTING Interviews occurred in the homes of London children recruited to a national multicentre clinical trial following primary and secondary care attendance with wheeze. PARTICIPANTS 42 parents (20 of Bangladeshi origin, 10 white UK, 12 other ethnicities) of preschool children enrolled in a clinical trial. RESULTS Bangladeshi families were relatively reluctant to participate in the qualitative study, despite strong engagement with the parent study. Anxiety related to wheezing was a common primary motive for trial enrolment. Parents viewed the trial as a route to improved treatment. Verbal delivery of trial information appeared more effective than study literature, especially for Bangladeshi families, with low parental literacy and high levels of trust in medical professionals potential contributors to this effect. All ethnic groups expressed a low understanding and/or retention of essential study concepts such as randomisation and genetic testing. CONCLUSIONS Bangladeshi families are particularly motivated to participate in clinical trials despite variable comprehension of study concepts. This motivation is more strongly contingent on strong researcher-subject rapport than on the quality of study literature. Trial teams seeking to recruit from South Asian populations should emphasise face-to-face verbal explanation of trial concepts and procedures and consider modified trial literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia MacNeill
- Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - Chinedu Nwokoro
- Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - Chris Griffiths
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Grigg
- Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - Clive Seale
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
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Chappuy H, Taupin P, Dimet J, Claessens YE, Tréluyer JM, Chéron G. Do parents understand the medical information provided in paediatric emergency departments? A prospective multicenter study. Acta Paediatr 2012; 101:1089-94. [PMID: 22780454 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2012.02763.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM We evaluated the extent to which parents understood the medical information about hospitalization of their child in an emergency department and looked for characteristics likely to increase the risk of poor comprehension. METHODS Prospective multicenter study in thirteen paediatric emergency departments. The parents and doctors completed questionnaires based on closed-ended questions with a common core of four items: reasons of hospitalization, diagnosis, treatment and seriousness of child condition. We evaluated concordance between parents and doctor answers for these items by comparing their responses. RESULTS This study included 380 parents. Percentage of concordance was 55% for the reason of hospitalization, 78% for the diagnosis, 92% for the treatment, 48% for the seriousness of the condition and 19% for all four items. The mean number of concordant items was 2.76 (CI 95%, 2.66-2.86). Parents whose children seemed not in pain and parents who received additional information from the nurse showed significantly slightly higher levels of concordance with doctor's answers (2.98 vs 2.66, p = 0.006 and 2.89 vs 2.60, p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION This study shows that improvements are required in the clarity of the information delivered to the parents. The assistance of nurses and optimal pain management may help to improve communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Chappuy
- Université Paris Descartes, Service d'Urgences Pédiatriques, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
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Soto C, Tarrant C, Pritchard-Jones K, Dixon-Woods M. Consent to tissue banking for research: qualitative study and recommendations. Arch Dis Child 2012; 97:632-6. [PMID: 22611061 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-301165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore how families of children with cancer experience giving consent for tissue banking and to produce recommendations on good practice. DESIGN 79 participants from 42 families (41 mothers, 18 fathers, 20 children and young people with cancer) took part in semistructured interviews to explore their experiences of being approached for consent to tissue banking. SETTING Tertiary care facilities for childhood cancer. RESULTS Families are generally supportive of tissue banking, although they report that it may be difficult for them to consider all the implications when asked for consent. They typically do not want detailed information when consent is sought close to diagnosis, preferring to see tissue banking as part of routine practice. Families often recognise that their consent may not be fully informed, but are content to give consent based on their understanding at the time. Some may want a chance to go over the information and revisit their decision when things have settled. CONCLUSIONS Families' views can inform practical recommendations for optimising the experience of consent for tissue banking. Current guidelines for obtaining consent should be revisited to take account of families' preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Soto
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Infl ammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Wulf F, Krasuska M, Bullinger M. Determinants of decision-making and patient participation in paediatric clinical trials: A literature review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ojped.2012.21001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Garralda ME, Kinali M, Cirak S, Bushby K, Guglieri M, Straub V, Muntoni F. Emotional impact of a paediatric exon-skipping therapy trial. Dev Med Child Neurol 2011; 53:1157-9. [PMID: 22066908 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.04128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Mehta S, Pelletier FQ, Brown M, Ethier C, Wells D, Burry L, MacDonald R. Why substitute decision makers provide or decline consent for ICU research studies: a questionnaire study. Intensive Care Med 2011; 38:47-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00134-011-2411-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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de Vries MC, Houtlosser M, Wit JM, Engberts DP, Bresters D, Kaspers GJL, van Leeuwen E. Ethical issues at the interface of clinical care and research practice in pediatric oncology: a narrative review of parents' and physicians' experiences. BMC Med Ethics 2011; 12:18. [PMID: 21943406 PMCID: PMC3229434 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-12-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric oncology has a strong research culture. Most pediatric oncologists are investigators, involved in clinical care as well as research. As a result, a remarkable proportion of children with cancer enrolls in a trial during treatment. This paper discusses the ethical consequences of the unprecedented integration of research and care in pediatric oncology from the perspective of parents and physicians. METHODOLOGY An empirical ethical approach, combining (1) a narrative review of (primarily) qualitative studies on parents' and physicians' experiences of the pediatric oncology research practice, and (2) comparison of these experiences with existing theoretical ethical concepts about (pediatric) research. The use of empirical evidence enriches these concepts by taking into account the peculiarities that ethical challenges pose in practice. RESULTS Analysis of the 22 studies reviewed revealed that the integration of research and care has consequences for the informed consent process, the promotion of the child's best interests, and the role of the physician (doctor vs. scientist). True consent to research is difficult to achieve due to the complexity of research protocols, emotional stress and parents' dependency on their child's physician. Parents' role is to promote their child's best interests, also when they are asked to consider enrolling their child in a trial. Parents are almost never in equipoise on trial participation, which leaves them with the agonizing situation of wanting to do what is best for their child, while being fearful of making the wrong decision. Furthermore, a therapeutic misconception endangers correct assessment of participation, making parents inaccurately attribute therapeutic intent to research procedures. Physicians prefer the perspective of a therapist over a researcher. Consequently they may truly believe that in the research setting they promote the child's best interests, which maintains the existence of a therapeutic misconception between them and parents. CONCLUSION Due to the integration of research and care, their different ethical perspectives become intertwined in the daily practice of pediatric oncology. Increasing awareness of what this means for the communication between parents and physicians is essential. Future research should focus on efforts that overcome the problems that the synchronicity of research and care evokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine C de Vries
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, J6-S, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Law, Leiden University Medical Center, J1-P, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Houtlosser
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Law, Leiden University Medical Center, J1-P, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Wit
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, J6-S, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk P Engberts
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Law, Leiden University Medical Center, J1-P, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dorine Bresters
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, J6-S, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan JL Kaspers
- Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Po Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evert van Leeuwen
- IQ Healthcare, Section Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, UMC St Radboud, PO Box 9101, 114 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Shafiq N, Malhotra S. Ethics in clinical research: need for assessing comprehension of informed consent form? Contemp Clin Trials 2010; 32:169-72. [PMID: 21146634 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Comprehension of informed consent form has not achieved the attention it deserves. We made a 24-item questionnaire to assess clinical research participants' comprehension of informed consent form (Contemp Clin Trials 2009;30:427-30). Due to repeated requests by clinical researchers in our country and abroad, we are publishing the questionnaire in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Shafiq
- Dept of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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