When research becomes practice: the concept of the therapeutic misconception and challenges to consent in clinical trials

Heynemann, S; Lipworth, W; McLachlan, SA; Philip, J; John, T; Kerridge, I

Author(s): Heynemann, S; Lipworth, W; McLachlan, SA; Philip, J; John, T; Kerridge, I;
Details: Publication Year 2023-02,Volume 53,Issue #2,Page 271-274
Journal Title: Internal Medicine Journal
Publication Type: Commentary
Abstract: Many factors influence patients' decisions to participate in clinical trials. For many, the primary motivation is the possibility that they might derive some benefit from participation. This is particularly true for patients with limited treatment options, such as patients with advanced cancer. While this is not surprising, it is potentially problematic if patients fail to recognise the distinction between research and clinical care (a phenomenon known as the 'therapeutic misconception'). This is becoming increasingly problematic as clinical trial designs become more complex, as clinical trials become more embedded in routine clinical care, and as trials are increasingly used by patients and clinicians to access new diagnostic platforms and therapies. We outline some of these recent trends, focusing on the cancer clinical trials landscape as this provides a good case study of the phenomenon. We conclude by making preliminary suggestions that changes to the consent process, perhaps using 'dynamic consent' platforms, might help to mitigate the therapeutic misconception and note the need for further research to guide strategies for improving communication and decision-making.
Publisher: Wiley
Keywords: Humans; Informed Consent; *Therapeutic Misconception; *Neoplasms; Communication; adaptive clinical trial; clinical trial; research ethics; therapeutic misconception; therapeutic misestimation
Department(s): Medical Oncology; Palliative Care
PubMed ID: 36822606
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.16015
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.16015
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2023-05-30 07:27:46

Last Modified: 2023-05-30 07:28:52