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Neuro-Oncology 2008 10(3):348-354; doi:10.1215/15228517-2008-007
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Copyright 2008 by the Society for Neuro-Oncology

Patients' perception of the informed consent process for neurooncology clinical trials

Eva Knifed, Nir Lipsman, Warren Mason and Mark Bernstein

Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, and Division of Neurology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Address correspondence to Mark Bernstein, 4W451 399 Bathurst St., Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada (mark.bernstein{at}uhn.on.ca).


  Abstract

The informed consent process is a cornerstone of modern medical research. This study was conducted to explore the process in the context of neurooncology clinical trials. Qualitative methodology and analysis were used on open-ended, face-to-face interviews conducted with 21 patients. Six comprehensive themes emerged: (1) general understanding of the objectives and purpose of clinical trials was good, (2) recall of risks was low, (3) patients did not believe that their care would be compromised by forgoing the clinical trial, (4) patients felt participation was voluntary and free of coercion, (5) patients would not have withdrawn from the trial in the event of complications, and (6) patients were satisfied with the informed consent process. Informed consent is a dynamic process; when appropriately executed, it can be a powerful safeguard protecting patient autonomy. If sufficient time is allowed to deliberate participation and ample opportunity is provided for information sharing and disclosure, researchers can be confident that participants are knowledgeable about the trial and aware of their rights.

Keywords: brain tumor, clinical trials, informed consent, neurooncology

Received September 4, 2007; Accepted November 30, 2007


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