Clinical trials: the viewpoint of children with a chronic illness compared with healthy children

Cherrill, J.; Hudson, H.; Cocking, C.; Unsworth, V.; Franck, L.; Fakis, A.; McIntyre, J.; Choonara, I.

Abstract

The views of over 200 children (11–16 years old, who were either healthy or attending paediatric medical clinics with a chronic illness) on issues relating to paediatric clinical trials were determined by a questionnaire. Children with a chronic illness had a better understanding of the concept of dosing of medicines (40% vs 23%) and placebo (34% vs 20%). They were more likely to support children's involvement in clinical trials (51% vs 37%). The altruistic nature of children in both groups was similar. It was of concern, however, that 57–63% children would participate as healthy volunteers in a cancer drug trial. Both groups were able to differentiate between the different types of illnesses where it is appropriate to study medicines in children (86–89% for illness where there is no treatment; 34–40% for ‘me-too’ drugs). Young people should be given more opportunities to be involved in decision-making regarding clinical trials of medicines.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2009
• Online Publication Date: Mar 22, 2010
• Publication Date: Oct 19, 2009
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2023
• Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood
• Print ISSN: 0003-9888
• Electronic ISSN: 1468-2044
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 95
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 229-232
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2009.159145
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/20287122
• Publisher URL: https://adc.bmj.com/content/95/3/229
• PMID: 19843506