Attitudes Regarding Science Knowledge and Clinical Trials
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Lisa Porter, Dr. Bre-Anne Fifield
Proposal
Clinical trials are vital to advancements in management of cancer and improved patient outcomes. However, few cancer patients are enrolled in trials in Ontario. One contributing factor to this discrepancy is a lack of general awareness in the community about the scientific process and the importance of clinical trials. This project aims to assess attitudes in Windsor-Essex County regarding scientific awareness and participation in clinical trials. This survey is targeted towards past or present cancer patients, family members, and/or caregivers in Windsor-Essex. It asks questions about participants’ demographics, their perceived understanding of science and clinical research, and their attitudes regarding clinical trial enrolment. It will also identify whether participants have participated in clinical trials. At the end of the survey, participants will be asked if they would be interested in participating in future studies that will utilize individual interview methodologies and focus groups methodologies to obtain more qualitative information about identified lived experiences and perspectives. This information will then be used in conjunction with future studies to develop effective educational programs about clinical trials and the scientific research process. These programs can then be used in the future to increase scientific knowledge translation, in the hopes of helping patients to make informed decisions about clinical trial enrollment. It is anticipated that educating the patient community about the fundamentals of scientific research will improve their understanding of the importance of clinical trials and positively impact their attitudes towards participation in clinical trials.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Attitudes Regarding Science Knowledge and Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are vital to advancements in management of cancer and improved patient outcomes. However, few cancer patients are enrolled in trials in Ontario. One contributing factor to this discrepancy is a lack of general awareness in the community about the scientific process and the importance of clinical trials. This project aims to assess attitudes in Windsor-Essex County regarding scientific awareness and participation in clinical trials. This survey is targeted towards past or present cancer patients, family members, and/or caregivers in Windsor-Essex. It asks questions about participants’ demographics, their perceived understanding of science and clinical research, and their attitudes regarding clinical trial enrolment. It will also identify whether participants have participated in clinical trials. At the end of the survey, participants will be asked if they would be interested in participating in future studies that will utilize individual interview methodologies and focus groups methodologies to obtain more qualitative information about identified lived experiences and perspectives. This information will then be used in conjunction with future studies to develop effective educational programs about clinical trials and the scientific research process. These programs can then be used in the future to increase scientific knowledge translation, in the hopes of helping patients to make informed decisions about clinical trial enrollment. It is anticipated that educating the patient community about the fundamentals of scientific research will improve their understanding of the importance of clinical trials and positively impact their attitudes towards participation in clinical trials.