Clinical trial knowledge, discussion, and participation among cancer survivors: A HINTS-SEER study

Abstract

Objectives

Clinical trial knowledge and discussions about clinical trials with healthcare providers contribute to clinical trial participation and clinical trial representation. This study explored 1) the association of patient-provider communication with clinical trial knowledge, 2) how patient-provider communication impacts the associations of demographic and clinical factors with clinical trial knowledge, and 3) motivations for clinical trial participation among people with a history of cancer.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the 2021 Health Information National Trends Survey-Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (HINTS-SEER) study included 1201 adult cancer survivors recruited from three SEER registries. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted associations of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with clinical trial knowledge (none, a little bit/a lot) with and without the inclusion of clinical trial discussion with a healthcare provider (yes, no).

Results

Approximately three-quarters of cancer survivors reported having at least “a little” knowledge about clinical trials, though only 15 % reported having discussed clinical trials with their provider. Those who reported patient-provider communication about clinical trials had 8.71 times higher odds of having some clinical trial knowledge. In multivariable logistic regression, odds of knowing at least a little bit about clinical trials were lower among adults without a college degree and among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Asian (versus Non-Hispanic White) adults. Associations of demographic factors with clinical trial knowledge were not impacted by the inclusion of patient-provider discussion in the model. Top motivations for clinical trial participation were helping other people, new treatment, and getting better.

Conclusion/practice implications

There is a need to ensure information about clinical trials is provided to all people with cancer and to facilitate high quality communication between patients and providers about clinical trials.