Ward-Based Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Clinical Trials: A Survey Study in Taiwan

Purposes Clinical trial education has not been extensively integrated into nursing education systems. Acute care nurses may lack sufficient knowledge when caring for admitted trial patients, which may negatively influence their attitudes toward clinical trials. The aim of this study was to explore ward-based nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward clinical trials. Design and Methods Ward-based nurses working in medical, surgical, and intensive care units in a medical center in Taiwan were approached to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by the research team and included four parts: demographics, experience with clinical trials, clinical trial knowledge, and attitudes toward clinical trials. Findings A total of 161 nurses responded. Nearly 90% of the nurses accessed trial information in their workplace. Nearly 80% of the respondents had experience with caring for trial patients, but the mean score of clinical trial knowledge was 4.5 out of a possible score of 10. For attitudes toward clinical trials, the mean score for positive beliefs was 39.7, and the mean score for negative expectations was 42.5, both out of a possible score of 55. The results indicated that respondents typically tended to hold a negative attitude toward clinical trials, especially in regard to the side effects of study drugs and communication with investigators. Conclusions Knowledge deficits of ward-based nurses concerning trial participation is apparent. Continuing education for ward-based nurses is necessary to promote implementation of clinical trials and reduce negative expectations related to clinical trials. Clinical Relevance One way to improve nurses' knowledge is to integrate clinical trial education into nursing education systems, which will provide more channels through which nurses can understand how a trial works, including the risks, benefits, and participant protection. Through such educational initiatives, ward-based nurses may develop more positive beliefs regarding clinical trials and provide higher quality clinical trial care to participants.