RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Involving patients with depression in research: survey of patients' attitudes to participation
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP e134
OP e141
DO 10.3399/bjgp11X567036
VO 61
IS 585
A1 Deborah Tallon
A1 Jean Mulligan
A1 Nicola Wiles
A1 Laura Thomas
A1 Tim J Peters
A1 Rodney Elgie
A1 Debbie Sharp
A1 Glyn Lewis
YR 2011
UL http://bjgp.org/content/61/585/e134.abstract
AB Background Clinicians report barriers to involving their patients in mental health research and have concerns that participation may have negative effects.Aim To investigate patients' views on participating in a primary care randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing two antidepressant drugs.Design of study Cross-sectional survey.Setting General practices, England.Method Six hundred and one trial participants were surveyed about their reasons for, and experience of, participating.Results The questionnaire was completed by 252/601 (42%) participants. The most influential factors determining participation were: wanting to help others with depression (94%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 90 to 97%) of responders rated this as ‘important’ or ‘very important’); friendly researchers (94%, 95% CI = 90 to 96%); and interest in the research (88%, 95% CI = 83 to 91%). Most were glad they took part and would consider participating in future research. Ninety-six per cent (95% CI = 92 to 98%) reported that their confidence in their GP had increased or remained unchanged since referral. Qualitative analysis of free-text responses indicated that patients found participation beneficial and liked: being altruistic, doing something positive, feeling supported by the researchers, and having time to talk. Many gained understanding of their depression and valued feedback on their progress. A minority reported negative views, which commonly related to taking antidepressants, and answering questionnaires.Conclusion GPs have a vital role in facilitating patient involvement in research but report barriers to referring depressed patients to RCTs. However, this data suggests that patients are willing to participate and many find this beneficial. Understanding attitudes to participation in mental health research is a crucial step in designing trials that are more acceptable to patients and GPs. This will strengthen the evidence for therapeutic approaches in primary care.