Do You Want to Participate in a Clinical Trial? Here's What You Need to Know
Your cancer doctor suggests a cancer clinical trial—and immediate red flags pop up. Why me? What if I get the placebo and my cancer isn't treated? I've heard about these "experiments" and it's not for me.
Before you convince yourself to turn down the opportunity, we encourage you to watch these free videos, PReparatory Education About Clinical Trials (PRE-ACT), created to help you and your caregiver understand clinical trials, how to participate, and the roadblocks you might encounter along your journey.
We know how much we depend on our phones and computers today, so it shouldn't be surprising that research indicates when information is presented in video format, it does a terrific job of explaining the process and addressing patients' specific concerns.
To prove this, researchers from Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) created and tested PRE-ACT to see if information delivered by video was more effective than printed information in persuading cancer patients to consider participating in a clinical trial. The study showed that 21% of the 1,255 patients who participated in video education chose to enroll in cancer clinical trials (the average is 5%) and that the videos are more effective than text at improving knowledge and decreasing negative attitudes that can be barriers to patients taking part in clinical trials.
In addition, participants rated the web-based video educational program significantly higher than the text-based education material in satisfaction with the amount of information presented, the presentation of the information, and the feeling of being more prepared to consider clinical trials for cancer treatment.
PRE-ACT Videos
- Welcome to PRE-ACT
- What are clinical trials?
- Will I have side effects on a clinical trial?
- What is a placebo?
- Who pays for the cost of a clinical trial?
- What is standard treatment?
- What is informed consent?
- Will I have to receive my care at a different clinic if I am on a clinical trial?
- Are clinical trials only used as a last resort?
- Will taking part in a clinical trial help me?
- Is there a clinical trial for everyone?
- Will my own doctor know what happens to me when I am on a clinical trial?
- Are clinical trials appropriate for cancer patients?
- Where can I find information about clinical trials?
- Are there ways to deal with transportation and financial issues?
- What is randomization?
- What is an IRB?
- What will my doctor gain from this clinical trial research?
- Will I get good care if I take part in a clinical trial?
- Will a clinical trial take up a lot of my time?
- Will I be able to handle being in a clinical trial?
- Can I trust the medical establishment?
- Is it safe to try new treatments that haven't been around for long?
- How would clinical trials affect my family?
- Should I ask my doctor about clinical trials?
- What will pharmaceutical or drug companies gain from a clinical trial?
- How long do I need to stay in a clinical trial?
- Is taking part in a clinical trial voluntary?
- How is my privacy protected on a clinical trial?
The content provided herein is for educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice. It is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general health care in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any content obtained herein and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Content obtained herein is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions or their treatment.