Factors related to eczema clinical trial participation among adult patients and caregivers

• Published in: Contemporary clinical trials communications Vol. 33; p. 101138
• Main Authors: Johnson, Jessica K., Loiselle, Allison, Thibau, Isabelle J., Smith Begolka, Wendy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.06.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Atopic dermatitis; Clinical trials; Decision-making; Eczema; Participation; Patient engagement; Decision-making; Clinical trials; Participation; Patient engagement; Atopic dermatitis; Eczema
• ISSN: 2451-8654; 2451-8654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101138

Eczema can be difficult to treat due to its chronic, heterogeneous nature. Effective long-term treatments for adults and children are needed. Little is known about what considerations influence eczema patient and caregiver decision-making regarding clinical trial participation (CTP). This study identifies factors that adult patients and caregivers consider important for CTP and determines if differences exist between these groups. A 46-question survey was administered May 1-June 6, 2020, to adults and caregivers of children with eczema. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of a series of factors when considering CTP; adults and caregivers were compared. Out of 31 total factors queried, eleven factors differed significantly in importance ratings between adults (n = 470) and caregivers (n = 134). The route of therapy (p = 0.030), side effects (p = 0.014), washout period (p = 0.028), receiving a placebo (p = 0.027), rescue therapy option (p = 0.033), access to test drug after trial (p = 0.027), sticking with the clinical trial regimen (p = 0.025), fit with work/school (p = 0.005), impact on overall health (p = 0.008), and satisfaction with current treatment (p = 0.033) were all more likely to be rated as important by caregivers than by adult patients. Only altruism was rated more highly by adult patients than caregivers (p = 0.027). Caregivers are more likely than adults to attribute high importance to factors that may affect their child's eczema or well-being when considering CTP. Patient-centered CTP education materials and decision aids may support patients and caregivers in CTP decision-making. •Caregivers assigned high importance to CT factors affecting their child's well-being.•Most caregivers reported that they and thier child must both agree on CTP.•Factors considered of little or no importance were similar for adults and caregivers.•Eczema severity and general understanding of CTs were similar between groups.