Scott Connor

	Public confidence and trust in the clinical research enterprise, and positive sentiments and experiences with clinical research activity, are all essential success factors in the development of medical interventions. These factors play a critical role in establishing a number of critical relationship conditions including:

	· Consumer support for products and practices that have been evaluated and approved following clinical research testing and regulatory review cycles;

	· Public support and appreciation for the professionals involved in the development and approval of new medical interventions;

	· Policymaker and political support for reforms and incentives that enable the clinical research enterprise to perform effectively, safely and efficiently; and

	· Patient willingness to make the courageous decision to participate in clinical trials.

	To inform our understanding of public and patient trust and confidence, this article provides a high-level summary of the results of two studies monitoring trends in international public and patient attitudes and perceptions. The non-profit Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP)-in collaboration with Acurian and other organizations-conducted international surveys in 2013 and 2017. Insights from these surveys help illuminate new areas of opportunity to address gaps in public and patient awareness and education, and improve patient recruitment and retention effectiveness while ensuring the highest levels of patient engagement throughout the clinical trial experience. For a more detailed discussion of the study results, please visit 

	During the past five years, most public and patient perceptions and attitudes about clinical research have remained generally the same, though there are some notable exceptions including clinical research literacy levels and participation preference shifts. Since 2013, the self-reported ability to find a clinical trial has increased, and perceptions of clinical trial safety have shifted. The 2017 global survey also introduced questions exploring the role of the health care provider in supporting clinical trial participation. 

	CISCRP received input on the survey instrument design from patients and clinical research professionals. Both the 2013 and 2017 surveys were disseminated online in the spring, primarily through Acurian’s global, direct-to-patient network. The 2017 survey received 12,427 responses, making it the largest global survey of its kind ever conducted and more than doubling the responses received in 2013. Table 1 summarizes respondent demographics 

	In 2013, the survey was limited to North America, South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, whereas in 2017, the survey reached respondents in Africa in addition to the other regions. The 2013 study had significantly more respondents with clinical trial experience compared to those from the 2017 study. In 2017, there were significantly more respondents from Europe and the Asia-Pacific and there were significantly more respondents over 65 years of age. 

Awareness and Perceptions of Clinical Trials

	The public’s knowledge and awareness of clinical trials have stayed relatively the same. Despite the majority claiming they understand what is meant by the term “clinical trial,” findings from both surveys suggest this knowledge is superficial at best. Over the years, similar proportions of the public indicate that they understand what a clinical trial is (90% indicating “yes,” they understood in 2013, and 82% indicating they understood “somewhat” or “very well” in 2017), yet many are not sure about how much of a role clinical research plays in the development of new medications. One-third (34%) of respondents from the 2017 survey believe that not all drugs approved for the market must go through the clinical trial process. This question was not asked in the earlier time period. 

Articles

To inform our understanding of public and patient trust and confidence, this article provides a high-level summary of the results of two studies monitoring trends in international public and patient attitudes and perceptions.

Author | Scott Connor