Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
11-5-2022 1:00 PM
End Date
11-5-2022 4:00 PM
Description
Due to ongoing efforts to increase inclusion of under-represented racial and ethnic minorities in clinical studies, researchers have conducted studies to gain greater understanding as to why members of these groups have had limited enrollment. 1 Previous research indicated a widespread lack of trust in the medical community regarding clinical studies, particularly in populations of color due to knowledge of the Tuskegee study.2 Specifically, to date, there appears to be no investigation which explores reasons for hesitation to volunteer to participate in a study utilizing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to reduce chronic neuropathic pain. Our PCOM IRB-approved project will attempt to uncover whether there is a significant degree of skepticism, and what factors comprise any such reluctance. It is predicted that there will be a higher rate of declination to participate in the study by minority patients. It is also predicted that those belonging to a minority group who demonstrate interest in proceeding will express some reluctance due to mistrust in the intentions of our research. Discussion of the subjects’ concerns may reveal possible reasons for reluctance to participate in clinical trials. This information will increase researchers' awareness of barriers and factors that will potentially affect a person's decision to participate in a clinical trial.
Subjects will be identified as potentially eligible study patients if they have recent documentation of neuropathic pain in their medical records. Eligibility will be determined using a code search (G62.9) for polyneuropathy at one of the three PCOM Healthcare Centers. Patients will be contacted in advance of their next primary care appointment to determine interest in taking a survey. For those who agree, this questionnaire will be provided immediately prior to their scheduled medical examination. Information requested includes:
- past and present marijuana use
- past and present pain management interventions for neuropathic pain
- demographic information (age, gender, ethnicity)
- current pain intensity and interference with daily activities via PEG scale
- feedback regarding their interest in participating in a clinical research project involving THC use
If there is a response to learn more about a clinical study on campus, 'Administration of THC to improve analgesia in patients with neuropathic pain', they will be provided with a flyer and Informed Consent Form for recruitment for this investigation.
One hundred potential study subjects will be screened, and the data collected will be analyzed. This study started March 7, and to date, seven patients completed the questionnaire, three of whom have indicated a decision to participate in the THC investigation.
Included in
Barriers to Recruitment for a THC Study
Philadelphia, PA
Due to ongoing efforts to increase inclusion of under-represented racial and ethnic minorities in clinical studies, researchers have conducted studies to gain greater understanding as to why members of these groups have had limited enrollment. 1 Previous research indicated a widespread lack of trust in the medical community regarding clinical studies, particularly in populations of color due to knowledge of the Tuskegee study.2 Specifically, to date, there appears to be no investigation which explores reasons for hesitation to volunteer to participate in a study utilizing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to reduce chronic neuropathic pain. Our PCOM IRB-approved project will attempt to uncover whether there is a significant degree of skepticism, and what factors comprise any such reluctance. It is predicted that there will be a higher rate of declination to participate in the study by minority patients. It is also predicted that those belonging to a minority group who demonstrate interest in proceeding will express some reluctance due to mistrust in the intentions of our research. Discussion of the subjects’ concerns may reveal possible reasons for reluctance to participate in clinical trials. This information will increase researchers' awareness of barriers and factors that will potentially affect a person's decision to participate in a clinical trial.
Subjects will be identified as potentially eligible study patients if they have recent documentation of neuropathic pain in their medical records. Eligibility will be determined using a code search (G62.9) for polyneuropathy at one of the three PCOM Healthcare Centers. Patients will be contacted in advance of their next primary care appointment to determine interest in taking a survey. For those who agree, this questionnaire will be provided immediately prior to their scheduled medical examination. Information requested includes:
- past and present marijuana use
- past and present pain management interventions for neuropathic pain
- demographic information (age, gender, ethnicity)
- current pain intensity and interference with daily activities via PEG scale
- feedback regarding their interest in participating in a clinical research project involving THC use
If there is a response to learn more about a clinical study on campus, 'Administration of THC to improve analgesia in patients with neuropathic pain', they will be provided with a flyer and Informed Consent Form for recruitment for this investigation.
One hundred potential study subjects will be screened, and the data collected will be analyzed. This study started March 7, and to date, seven patients completed the questionnaire, three of whom have indicated a decision to participate in the THC investigation.
Comments
Presented by Devon Player.