Patient understanding of research: developing and testing of a new questionnaire

Hutchison, C., Cowan, C. and Paul, J. (2007) Patient understanding of research: developing and testing of a new questionnaire. European Journal of Cancer Care, 16(2), pp. 187-196. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2006.00732.x)

Abstract

Lack of understanding or knowledge of research among patients participating in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is common. However, there is a lack of validated measures to assess the extent of the problem. The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a questionnaire to assess knowledge and understanding of RCTs in the cancer setting. A 13-item four-part questionnaire was developed and piloted with three groups: patients with cancer who had no experience of clinical trials (n = 26); patients with cancer who had previously participated in an RCT (n = 26) and research nurses (n = 26). The groups were compared using non-parametric ANOVA techniques which showed a highly statistically significant difference between the nurses and both patient groups (P < 0.001). The difference between the patient groups was not significant (P = 0.231). Cronbach's alpha was computed at 0.77. After studying correlation of individual questions and verbatim comments from respondents, one question was removed from the questionnaire, but this did not have a major effect on the properties of the tool. Minor changes were made to six other questions and the revised tool will now be used and further tested in a large randomized controlled trial to improve informed consent in trial participation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Paul, Mr James
• Authors: Hutchison, C., Cowan, C., and Paul, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: European Journal of Cancer Care
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0961-5423