Feedback of trial results to participants: a survey of clinicians' and patients' attitudes and experiences

Abstract

Purpose: There is growing interest in the provision of trial results to trial participants. However, there are a number of gaps in the research base relating to the closure of clinical trials and feedback of results to participants.

Methods: The aim of this research was to explore the practice of feeding back trial results to trial participants and to identify best practice in this area. Postal questionnaires were sent to members of the UK National Cancer Research Institute Clinical Studies Groups (NCRI CSG) and to patients over the age of 18 years who completed trial treatment (located in one Cancer Network) during a 16-month period (April 07-July 08).

Results: 145 NCRI CSG member surveys and 81 patient questionnaires were returned. The vast majority of all respondents supported the idea of offering results to trial participants. However, NCRI members and trial participants differed in their opinions about the timing and method for the provision of results.

Conclusion: The results provide an insight into the views of these groups in relation to desire for results and practical aspects of results feedback which should inform further investigations into trial management and the practice of feedback of trial results.