Factors Affecting Obstetric Patient Participation in Research [26K]

INTRODUCTION: To assess factors that may contribute to obstetric patients' willingness to participate in clinical research. METHODS: Pilot study survey of obstetric patients greater than 17 years of age at a University and community tertiary care institution in the same community. A convenience sample of patients completed a Likert Scale survey about factors that may impact their willingness to participate in research. Survey questions were divided into 3 overarching categories (caregiver influence, altruism and convenience/personal-benefit). We report descriptive statistics and compared demographic characteristics in the groups willing to participate in research. RESULTS: 171 consecutive patients agreed to the survey out of 177 patients approached. Patients report being positively influenced toward participation in research when considering provider enthusiasm for research as well as convenience/personal-benefit factors. College educated patients are more likely than non-college educated patients to respond positively to all question categories (P < .05). Married patients were more likely react positively to altruism and convenience/personal benefit factors (P < .05). Patients greater than 30 years old were more likely to cite convenience/personal benefit factors for influencing research participation (P < .05). Additionally, patients who have previously participated in research or who attend University-based practice are more likely to respond positively to questions appealing to altruism (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Caregiver influence, altruism, and convenience/perceived personal-benefit factors all impact obstetric patients' decision to participate in research. Demographics appear to influence a patient's response to matters of altruism and convenience. Clinical study recruitment efforts should focus on these factors to expand enrollment.