Introduction.
In the context of the development of pharmaceutical interventions, expectations and experiences of participants are essential. Their insights may be particularly helpful to address the challenges of recruiting and retaining participants for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical trials. We examined clinical trial participants’ experiences to optimize trial design in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Method.
In this mixed-methods study, we included adults who participated in sponsor-initiated AD trials at Brain Research Center, a clinical trial organization in the Netherlands. Participants (N = 71, age 69 ± 6.5, 54%F, 19 cognitively normal (CN), 19 Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and 33 AD dementia) first completed an online survey. Next, a subsample (N = 12; 8 = CN, 4 = MCI) participated in focus groups to gain in-depth insight into their views on optimizing trial design. Audio recordings from focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by thematic content analysis by two independent researchers.
Results.
To benefit future generations was most frequently (34%) reported as a motive for enrolment. The lumbar puncture (40%) and memory assessments (15%) were most often experienced as being of high burden. Structurally receiving individualized test results and smaller chance to get placebo, increased willingness to participate. Two main themes emerged from the focus groups: “trials design”, such as follow-up visit(s) after participating, and “trial center”, including the relevance of a professional and empathic staff.
Conclusion.
Relevant factors include expectation management and careful planning of high burden assessments, provision of individual feedback and prioritizing professionalism and empathy throughout conduct of the trial. Our findings provide insight into participants’ priorities to increase willingness to participate and can be used to optimize trial success.