Factors influencing willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials and strategies for effective recruitment
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Yu-Hong Liu, Wen-Min Huang, and Hui-Ming Xiao. State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China. liuyuhong@gzzoc.com; huangwenmin@gzzoc.com; xiaohm@mail.sysu.edu.cn

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Supported by the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (No.201803010066); the High-level Hospital Construction Project, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (No.303010202).

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    Abstract:

    AIM: To explore the factors influencing individuals’ willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted from January to April 2021 among patients and their family members at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, in Guangzhou, China. The survey gathered data on respondents’ willingness, demographic and socioeconomic profiles, as well as their reasons and concerns regarding engagement in clinical trials. RESULTS: Of the 1078 residents surveyed (mean age 31.2±13.1y; 65.8% females) in Guangzhou, 749 (69.5%) expressed a willingness to participate in future ophthalmic clinical trials. Specific characteristics associated with greater willingness included a younger age, lower annual income, higher education, prior participation experience, previous ophthalmic treatment, and a better understanding of clinical trials. With the exception of age, these characteristics were significantly linked to a higher willingness. The primary barrier to participation, expressed by 64.8% of those willing and 54.4% of those unwilling, was “Uncertain efficacy”. In terms of motivations, the willing group ranked “Better therapeutic benefits” (35.0%), “Professional monitoring” (34.3%), and “Trust in healthcare professionals” (33.1%) as their top three reasons, whereas the unwilling participants indicated “Full comprehension of the protocol” (46.2%) as the key facilitator. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a substantial willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials and demonstrates the predictive role of demographic and socioeconomic factors. Variations in motivators and concerns between willing and unwilling participants highlight the significance of tailored recruitment strategies. Importantly, the need for and trust in healthcare professionals stand out as powerful motivations, underscoring the importance of enhancing physician-patient relationships, adopting patient-centered communication approaches, and addressing individualized needs to improve accrual rates.

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Jia-En Liang, Meng-Yin Liang, En-En Zhang, et al. Factors influencing willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials and strategies for effective recruitment. Int J Ophthalmol, 2024,17(1):157-163

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Publication History
  • Received:May 30,2023
  • Revised:November 07,2023
  • Adopted:
  • Online: December 21,2023
  • Published: