Distinguishing Therapeutic Misconception from Religious Belief.

Abstract

In the context of early-phase clinical trials, research subjects often confuse the differences between clinical research and personal treatment. This phenomenon, known as therapeutic misconception, potentially undermines the validity of informed consent. Several interventions have been proposed to help mitigate therapeutic misconception, although few have considered the role of religious belief. This is a notable omission, given that an association between therapeutic misconception and religious belief has been shown to exist. This perspective calls for more research into the nature of the association between therapeutic misconception and religious belief and suggests a framework that may help clinicians and researchers distinguish between the two, thereby bolstering the informed consent process.