Table 2.
Summary of statements to assess patients’ level of knowledge about the design and conduct of studies (questions on the rating scale are marked in bold type)
| Statement | Yes % (n) | Don’t know % (n) | No % (n) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research studies are used when traditional medicine has failed. | 18.5 (365) | 28.2 (555) | 53.3 (1051) | 1971 |
| Taking part in research studies involves greater risks for patients than standard therapy. | 17.1 (336) | 85.9 (685) | 48.0 (943) | 1964 |
| The quality of treatment in research studies is much better. | 21.9 (429) | 54.9 (1074) | 23.2 (453) | 1956 |
| In a clinical study, the physician treating you will ensure that you receive the treatment that is the best possible for you. | 47.8 (914) | 37.9 (726) | 14.3 (274) | 1914 |
| Do you know what the word “randomization” means? | 20.1 (396) | – | 79.9 (1573) | 1969 |
| Clinical studies make it possible to find out whether the standard treatment or a new method is more effective. | 83.7 (1640) | 14.7 (288) | 1.6 (32) | 1960 |
| Research studies cannot be used in the treatment of severe diseases. | 8.4 (164) | 43.1 (839) | 48.5 (945) | 1948 |
| Clinical studies test the effects of procedures, drugs, or treatments that no one is yet certain about. | 51.5 (1004) | 23.9 (466) | 24.6 (480) | 1950 |
| After you agree to take part in a study, withdrawing from it later on is no longer possible. | 4.4 (85) | 35.9 (699) | 59.7 (1161) | 1945 |