Parental experiences of the informed consent process in randomized clinical trials—A Nordic study

Parental experiences of the informed consent process in randomized clinical trials—A Nordic study
Research Article
Nina Mogensen, Ulrika Kreicbergs, Birgitte Klug Albertsen, Päivi Lähteenmäki, Mats Heyman, Arja Harila
Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 7 September 2023
Open Access
Abstract
Background
Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are an essential part of improving acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. This population-based questionnaire study investigated parents’ experiences of the informed consent process in the RCTs within the Nordic NOPHO (Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology) ALL2008 trial.
Procedure
Parents in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland whose child was alive and in first remission after end of therapy and who were asked to participate in any RCT in the ALL2008 protocol, were asked to complete 15 questions/items regarding their experience of the RCT consent process.
Results
A total of 483 parents of 279 children met the inclusion criteria and answered the study questionnaire. Most (91%) agreed/strongly agreed to having received sufficient information to make a well-informed decision, felt confidence in the study design (86%), and thought that the process was satisfactory (86%). Those who did not consent reported a generally more negative experience of the process. More than a third of all parents and over half of parents who had refused participation felt that it was burdensome to decide. Most parents (66%) in general, and one-third of those with children 8 years or older, reported that their child was not involved in the process.