RH11
Barriers to Recruitment in Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research
Since the early 1990’s, thirteen multiple sclerosis (MS) medications have been approved by the FDA. These medications have only been approved for use in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis patients to decrease or slow down disease activity, but to date, no medications have been approved for progressive courses. Some of the approved medications have potential serious or uncomfortable side effects, and unfortunately we still do not have a cure for this disease. While research in MS has made great strides, there is still much to be learned. Participation in clinical trials is essential to gaining this necessary knowledge including developing new medications, efficacy of current medications, non-pharmalogical approaches to managing MS symptoms and improving overall health related quality of life of those with MS.
Objectives:
To discover barriers of participation in clinical MS research.
Methods:
An anonymous survey was administered to 100 subjects coming in for their quarterly visits with the MS neurologist. Demographic information was collected including age, gender, type of MS, ethnicity, employment status, education level, family and marital status as well as a list of commonly perceived barriers to participation in clinical trial research.
Results:
Data from 100 subjects have been collected and are currently being analyzed. Results will be presented.
Conclusions:
Knowing potential barriers, hesitations or conflicts in participating in clinical trial research may help researchers improve study designs and methodologies to improve the rates of enrollment for future research.