Polish clinical trials will give more than 25,000 patients access to innovative treatments, according to a new Medical Research Agency research report. Half of Poles have no understanding of clinical trials, hindering their long-term success.
As highlighted by MRA, patients who do not understand the purpose of clinical trials are poorly prepared for the risks associated with research procedures compared to private medical care.
In an effort to spread awareness about clinical trials, MRA strives to dispel many common misconceptions surrounding the subject.
“Through our public education efforts, we learn that concerns about the safety and ethical aspects of research participation often prevent patients from participating in clinical trials,” an MRA spokesperson told Euractic.
“Clear and accurate information about the procedure, participants' rights, and potential benefits and risks can alleviate these concerns,” the agency added.
power of education
The report states that although research is an essential part of modern medicine and has a positive impact on the effectiveness of treatments and the health of society, it is often perceived negatively by the public.
Lack of knowledge and misconceptions create barriers to enrolling patients in clinical trials and hinder the development of new treatments.
EThe report highlights education as the most effective means of increasing understanding of clinical trials.
Therefore, MRA is working with both public and private partners to make significant efforts to increase patient awareness of clinical trials. Knowledge about clinical trials may be lacking in Polish society, so it is important to utilize diverse communication channels to reach a wider audience.
One method of education was the establishment of clinical trial patient services.
“Previously, this knowledge was scattered across a variety of sources, so it's even better to have one place of truth for information about ongoing clinical trials, their implementation guidelines, and patient rights. “, said Michał Biliniak. Euractic.bilinia kiss Secretary General, Innovative Pharmaceutical Employers Association (INFARMA); One of the founders of the educational project.
In addition to the website, MRA works with partners to produce educational brochures, works with patient organizations, and hosts information sessions for patients.
therapeutic misconceptions
Ensuring patient safety and protecting their rights is paramount in clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of patients' informed and voluntary participation in trials.
One of the major challenges is the patient's ability to distinguish between research and standard care, often referred to as “therapeutic misconceptions” (TCM). This challenge is further exacerbated by the frequent overlap between standard care and clinical trials within the same hospital or under the care of the same physician.
The agency has produced a new pamphlet titled “Clinical Trials and Standards of Care” that outlines the differences between these two areas.
“Education and transparent communication will greatly contribute to increasing public participation in these vital medical activities, ultimately facilitating the development of new and more effective treatments,” MRA said. a spokesperson told Euractic.
Moreover, a society that is better informed about clinical trials not only achieves better health and has access to a wider range of treatment options, but also has the opportunity to operate more efficiently and lead medical innovation on the international stage. It has potential.
According to data from the report titled “Commercial Clinical Trials in Poland: Opportunities to Expand the Number and Scope of Trials,” clinical trials have provided more than 25,000 patients with access to innovative treatments and are leading-edge. Poland is in an advantageous position in terms of patient access to treatments.
Considering that many advanced therapies that are standard in the EU are still unavailable to Polish patients or are limited to a limited number of patients, making participation in clinical trials a viable treatment option. This is then particularly important.
“Involvement of all health system stakeholders working with patients is critical to ensuring optimal outcomes,” Biliniak stressed.
“They not only provide valuable knowledge, but also support in navigating the process of qualifying for appropriate clinical trials, and often represent a patient's last hope for cure. , underlines the importance of raising awareness about this issue,” he added.
[By Paulina Mozolewska, Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab]