Aim: To examine rural and regional cancer patients’ views and experiences of being in a cancer clinical trial (CCT) with a focus on how patients decide to join a trial and their views on trial processes and data management.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used (HREC approval LNR/21/BH/77595). Purposive sampling was employed to recruit patients currently on a CCT to participate in a semi-structured interview at a regional cancer centre. Questions were developed with input from the local cancer consumer advisory group. In-person or Zoom interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis methodology.
Results: Thirteen interviews have been conducted with seven females and six males. Participant mean age was 65.4 (± 7.9 years) and treatment was for breast, colorectal, lung or skin cancer. Treatment was provided with curative or non-curative intent, in the metastatic and non-metastatic setting. Analysis of the data generated the following four preliminary themes. Health professional-related; deep trust in their medical oncologist who discussed the CCT and who cared for them during the trial and the need for follow-up with their treating oncologist to address questions such as wanting to learn more about trial progress. Humanistic-related; consideration of others, willingness to share personal data to enable doctors to learn, and improve future cancer treatment and altruism to help other cancer patients. Travel-related; willingness to travel and attend trial appointments. Personal gain; satisfaction with care, gratitude for the opportunity to participate and strong satisfaction with trial processes.
Conclusion: Understanding the experience of participants in CCTs provides valuable knowledge about why patients consent and how they view the whole CCT process. This provides the foundation to inform future strategies to aid in the retention and recruitment of rural and regional cancer patients in CCT.