Polish patient education needed to boost clinical trial success [Advocacy Lab Content]

Poland’s clinical trials give access to innovative therapies for over 25,000 patients, but a new Medical Research Agency survey reports half of Poles lack any real understanding of clinical trials, hindering long-term success.

As emphasised by the MRA, patients who do not understand the purpose of clinical trials are not adequately prepared for the risks associated with research procedures compared to individual healthcare.

To broaden awareness regarding clinical trials, the MRA endeavours to dispel numerous prevalent misconceptions surrounding this topic.

“Through public education efforts, concerns about safety and ethical aspects of participation in research are often barriers preventing patients from engaging in clinical trials,” an MRA spokesperson told Euractiv.

“Clear and accurate information about procedures, participant rights, and potential benefits and risks can alleviate these concerns,” the Agency added.

The power of education

The report states that although research is an integral part of modern medicine and has a positive impact on the effectiveness of treatments and the health of society, it is often perceived negatively by people.

Lack of knowledge and misconceptions are obstacles to recruiting patients into trials, which hinder the development of new therapies.

Education stands out in the report as the most effective means of enhancing understanding of clinical trials.

The MRA is therefore collaborating with partners from both the public and private sectors, dedicates significant efforts to enhance patient awareness of clinical trials. Given the potential lack of knowledge about clinical trials within Polish society, it is crucial to utilise diverse communication channels to reach a broader audience.

One method of education was the establishment of the Patient in Clinical Trials service.

“Previously, this knowledge was scattered across various sources, so it is all the better that there is now one reliable place providing information on ongoing trials, their implementation guidelines, and patient rights,” Michał Byliniak, told Euractiv. Byliniakis Director-General of The Employers’ Union of Innovative Pharmaceutical Companies (INFARMA), and one of the initiators of the educational project.

In addition to the website, MRA, in collaboration with its partners, produces educational pamphlets, collaborates with patient organisations, and hosts informational sessions for patients.

Therapeutic misconception

In clinical trials, ensuring patient safety and protecting their rights are paramount, emphasising the importance of patients being fully informed and voluntarily participating in trials.

One significant challenge is patients’ ability to differentiate between research and standard medical care, often referred to as ‘therapeutic misconception’ (TCM). This challenge is compounded by the frequent overlap of standard medical care and clinical trials within the same hospital or under the care of the same physician.

The Agency has developed a new brochure titled “Clinical Trials versus Standard Medical Care,” which outlines the differences between these two realms.

“Education and transparent communication can significantly contribute to increasing citizen engagement in these pivotal medical endeavours, ultimately expediting the development of new, more effective treatment methods,” an MRA spokesperson told Euractiv.

Moreover, a well-informed society about clinical trials has the potential not only to achieve better health and access a wider range of therapeutic options but also to operate more efficiently and have the opportunity to lead in medical innovations on the international stage.

According to data from the report titled “Commercial Clinical Trials in Poland: Opportunities for Increasing Trial Numbers and Scope,” clinical trials provide access to innovative therapies for over 25,000 patients, positioning Poland favourably in terms of patient access to cutting-edge treatments.

This becomes particularly significant considering that many advanced therapies, standard in the EU, remain inaccessible to Polish patients or are limited to a small subset, making participation in clinical trials a viable therapeutic option.

“To ensure optimal outcomes, the involvement of all healthcare system stakeholders who engage with patients is crucial,” Byliniak emphasised.

“They not only offer valuable knowledge but also provide support in navigating the process of qualifying for appropriate clinical trials, often representing a patient’s last hope for a cure. This underscores the importance of raising awareness on this matter,” he added.

[By Paulina Mozolewska, Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab]

Read more with Euractiv