Jacqueline LaVon Hollada, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Wanda Marfori MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alessia Tognolini MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cesar Arellano MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ali Adibi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stefan Georg Ruehm MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To analyze a variety of aspects which determine willingness of patients to enroll or decline participation in non-invasive radiological research studies which utilize contrast-enhanced CT imaging.

A telephone survey consisting of 12 questions was conducted on 80 subjects, 40 of which agreed to participate in a non-invasive research study and 40 of which declined participation. Importance, interest and concern of various aspects which motivated the acceptance or refusal of enrollment in our research studies were evaluated using a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (not at all important) to 5 (extremely important). Ratings of importance were grouped for analysis in three categories (low, 1-2; medium, 3; and high, 4-5). The following aspects were addressed: 1) Chance to obtain additional health information; 2)  Opportunity to obtain free imaging; 3) Altruistic benefit to society; 4) Monetary compensation; 5) Concern for radiation exposure; 6) Role as an experimental subject (aka “Guinea Pig”); 7) Concern of loss of confidentiality; 8) Concern of contrast/investigational drug use; 9) Concern of pre-medication; 10) Concern of blood draw/IV placement; 11) Personal availability/ Time commitment; 12) Personal medical opinion.

Average scores of the 80 subjects who answered the survey were calculated. Of the 40 subjects who participated in our research studies, the three categories which were rated as most important in their acceptance to participate were as follows: altruistic benefit to society (4.3±1.0); chance to obtain additional health information (4.15±1.4); and chance to receive free imaging (3.7±1.6). Amongst the 40 subjects who declined participation in our research studies, the factors ranking the highest included: Concern for radiation exposure (3.7±1.6) and the personal availability or time commitment involved with participation (3.6±1.7).

Our study demonstrates that participation in research studies is motivated primarily by altruistic benefits to society, the chance to obtain additional health information and the opportunity to obtain free imaging. Major factors that deter patients from participating are concerns regarding radiation exposure and time commitment/availability.

Factors that influence willingness of patients to enroll in research studies may benefit study design and recruitment strategies by addressing patient's primary concerns regarding participation.

Hollada, J, Marfori, W, Tognolini, A, Arellano, C, Adibi, A, Ruehm, S, Successful Patient Recruitment: What Drives or Deters Patient Participation in Radiological Research Studies?.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12033766.html