When individuals participate in clinical trials and research, they invest their time and energy for the sake of scientific advancement, knowledge, and the greater good. This is why there has been an ongoing debate in the scientific world about the utility of returning research results to participants.
Time and again, several empirical studies have shown that these participants are interested in learning the results of the trials and research. Despite this, most studies and trials don’t have a plan in place to return the research results to these participants.
In this blog, we’re going to discuss whether clinical studies should include the return of the results to study participants and how it can be done.
Individual Vs. Aggregate Research Results
Every clinical research has two types of results: individual and aggregate.
The individual results include the specific outcomes of the assessment and all the interventions used during the study. The individual results can be traced back to the participants and can be relevant to their personal health. It may include blood work, MRI, X-ray imaging, and other important tests.
On the other hand, aggregate results focus on how well the study met its endpoints and what was achieved from it. These results are often communicated exclusively through academic journals.
Both the individual and aggregate results should be shared directly with the participants. Keep reading to learn why.
Why Share Results with Participants?
In addition to ethical responsibility, there are many benefits of sharing research results with study participants. Here are some of the major reasons why it should be done:
1. It Shows Respect to the Participants
Sharing aggregate results of the research directly with the participants is a sign of respect towards the time and energy they invested in the study. It signifies that the participants were partners in the research enterprise, and their contributions were important.
2. It Can Help Them Identify Potential Health Issues
Sharing individual results, especially those that are medically actionable, can help participants get ahead of any anomalies or potential problems that show up in the tests done during the study. This is why sharing individual results is an ethical responsibility of the researchers, as it can identify and prevent potential health issues.
3. It Can Reduce Redundancies in Future Studies
Finally, many people have rare diseases, and they participate in multiple studies throughout their lives. The results of one study can reduce the redundancies in future studies, which will not only save time for the participants but also reduce their burden and risks.
Choose ClinicalPURSUIT for Data Management in Your Clinical Trials
With proper clinical data management systems in place, you can return the trial results to participants and help them benefit from the study.
If you’re in search of reliable clinical trial data management solutions, check out the products and services at ClinicalPURSUIT. We offer EDC systems for clinical trials to facilitate CROs, data managers, sponsors, and others involved in medical research to conduct effective clinical trials.
