scholarly journals Good participatory practice for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) research: the case of a COVID-19 prevention study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Carlo Perrone ◽  
William Schilling ◽  
James J. Callery ◽  
Elizabeth A. Ashley ◽  
Mary Chambers ◽  
...  

Background: The COPCOV study (chloroquine/ hydroxychloroquine prevention of coronavirus disease), which started recruitment in April 2020, is a multi-country double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial which is being conducted in healthcare facilities involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case management. COPCOV aims to recruit healthcare workers and other staff employed in facilities managing people with proven or suspected COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a series of engagement sessions, each involving a short presentation of the study, a section where attendees were asked to express if they would be interested in participating in such a study and which information they would need to change their view and an open Q&A section. Answers were transcribed and coded into themes by two independent investigators. Themes were derived from the data. The aims were to assess the feasibility of the study at the respective sites, to identify context-specific ethical issues, to understand concerns potential participants might have, to fine tune research procedures and to refine COPCOV information materials. They complemented other site-specific engagement, communication and public relation activities such as press releases and websites. Results: From 16th March 2020 to 20th January 2021, 12 engagement sessions were conducted in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal and the UK involving 213 attendees in total. The sessions were designed to encourage potential participants and research professionals not directly involved in the project to interact with those who planned the study and those conducting it. Many attendees were keen to join the study while others had concerns. Questions raised revolved around the social value and study rationale; safety of trial medications and risk-benefit balance; study design and commitments. Conclusions: These sessions helped us refine information materials, identify misunderstandings about the study as well as complement site feasibility assessments. Our experience strongly supports the use of participatory practices prior to conducting clinical trials.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Carlo Perrone ◽  
William Schilling ◽  
James J. Callery ◽  
Elizabeth A. Ashley ◽  
Mary Chambers ◽  
...  

Background: The COPCOV study (chloroquine/ hydroxychloroquine prevention of coronavirus disease), which started recruitment in April 2020, is a multi-country double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial which is being conducted in healthcare facilities involved in COVID-19 case management. COPCOV aims to recruit healthcare workers and other staff employed in facilities managing people with proven or suspected COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a series of engagement sessions, each involving a short presentation of the study, a section where attendees were asked to express if they would be interested in participating in such a study and which information they would need to change their view and an open Q&A section. Answers were transcribed and coded into themes by two independent investigators. Themes were derived from the data. The aims were to assess the feasibility of the study at the respective sites, to identify context-specific ethical issues, to understand concerns potential participants might have, to fine tune research procedures and to refine COPCOV information materials. They complemented other site-specific engagement, communication and public relation activities such as press releases and websites. Results: From 16th March 2020 to 20th January 2021, 12 engagement sessions were conducted in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal and the UK involving 213 attendees in total. The sessions were designed to encourage potential participants and research professionals not directly involved in the project to interact with those who planned the study and those conducting it. Many attendees were keen to join the study while others had concerns. Questions raised revolved around the social value and study rationale; safety of trial medications and risk-benefit balance; study design and commitments. Conclusions: These sessions helped us refine information materials, identify misunderstandings about the study as well as complement site feasibility assessments. Our experience strongly supports the use of participatory practices prior to conducting clinical trials.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Bryant ◽  
Lorna Duncan ◽  
Gene Feder ◽  
Alyson Huntley

Abstract Background: A Cochrane review of mistletoe therapy concludes that there is some evidence that mistletoe extracts may offer benefits on measures of quality of life during chemotherapy for breast cancer, but these results need replication. Our aim was to test the feasibility of a placebo controlled, double blind randomised controlled trial of mistletoe therapy in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Methods/design: A placebo controlled, double blind randomised controlled trial of mistletoe therapy in patients with breast cancer. There will be three arms (groups) in the trial: Iscador M, Iscador P, with physiological saline as the placebo. The aim is to recruit 45 adult patients with a new diagnosis of early or locally advanced breast cancer, up to 12 weeks following definitive breast surgery whose standard treatment plan includes chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. They will be taught to administer the MAB therapies subcutaneously and will titrate up to their optimal dose. MAB therapy will continue throughout their standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy and one month beyond. The main outcome of the MAB study is the feasibility of conducting such a trial within the NHS in order to inform a future fully powered investigative trial. Feasibility will be measured through recruitment, retention and patient experience using clinical research forms, patient diaries, cancer-related questionnaires and qualitative interviews conducted with both patients and oncology staff.Discussion: This trial is the first of its kind in the UK. Currently mistletoe therapy is mostly available through private practice in the UK. Completion of this feasibility study will support applications for further funding for a fully powered randomised controlled trial which will measure effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this herbal therapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. e417-e427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Hales ◽  
Peter N Taylor ◽  
Sue Channon ◽  
Kirsten McEwan ◽  
Anita Thapar ◽  
...  

Abstract Context & Objectives The Controlled Antenatal Thyroid Screening (CATS) study was the first randomized controlled trial to investigate effects of treating suboptimal gestational thyroid function (SGTF) on child cognition. Since observational studies indicated that SGTF may also increase symptoms of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the CATS cohort was used to investigate whether treatment of mothers affected their children’s behavior. Design & Participants Mothers (N = 475) completed 3 questionnaires: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Child ADHD Questionnaire, and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ, used as a screen for autism spectrum disorder [ASD]), about their children (mean age 9.5 years). Group comparisons of total scores, numbers of children above clinical thresholds, and association between high maternal free thyroxine (FT4) (> 97.5th percentile of the UK cohort, “overtreated”) and child neurodevelopment were reported. Results There were no differences in total scores between normal gestational thyroid function (GTF) (n = 246), treated (n = 125), and untreated (n = 104) SGTF groups. More children of treated mothers scored above clinical thresholds, particularly the overtreated. Scores were above thresholds in SDQ conduct (22% vs 7%), SCQ total scores (7% vs 1%), and ADHD hyperactivity (17% vs 5%) when comparing overtreated (n = 40) and untreated (N = 100), respectively. We identified significantly higher mean scores for SDQ conduct (adjusted mean difference [AMD] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.021-1.431; P = 0.040, effect size 0.018) and ADHD hyperactivity (AMD 1.60, 95% CI, 0.361-2.633; P = 0.003, effect size 0.028) comparing overtreated with normal-GTF children. Conclusions There was no overall association between SGTF and offspring ADHD, ASD, or behavior questionnaire scores. However, children of “overtreated” mothers displayed significantly more ADHD symptoms and behavioral difficulties than those of normal-GTF mothers. Thyroxine supplementation during pregnancy requires monitoring to avoid overtreatment.


Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabel Allison ◽  
Ellie Edlmann ◽  
Angelos G. Kolias ◽  
Carol Davis-Wilkie ◽  
Harry Mee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The incidence of chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is increasing. Although surgery remains the mainstay of management for symptomatic patients, uncertainty remains regarding the role of steroids. Hence, the Dex-CSDH trial was launched in the UK in 2015 aiming to determine whether, compared to placebo, dexamethasone can improve the 6-month functional outcome of patients with symptomatic CSDH by reducing the rate of surgical intervention and recurrence rate. Methods and design Dex-CSDH is a multi-centre, pragmatic, parallel group, double-blind, randomised trial assessing the clinical utility of a 2-week course of dexamethasone following a CSDH. Seven hundred fifty patients were randomised to either dexamethasone or placebo. The primary outcome is the modified Rankin Scale at 6 months which is dichotomised to favourable (a score of 0–3) versus unfavourable (a score of 4–6). Conclusions This paper and the accompanying additional material describe the statistical analysis plan for the trial. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN80782810. Registered on 7 November 2014. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN80782810. EudraCT, 2014-004948-35. Registered on 20 March 2015.


1973 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara C. Stevens

SynopsisThis paper reports the social results of a double-blind placebo controlled trial of fluphenazine decanoate. Among patients on placebo there was a deterioration in family relationships, which was due to an increase in aggression, noisiness, talking about delusions, and socially embarrassing behaviour after withdrawal of active drug.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlise Poolman ◽  
Jessica Roberts ◽  
Anthony Byrne ◽  
Paul Perkins ◽  
Zoe Hoare ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Whilst the majority of seriously ill people wish to die at home, only half achieve this. The likelihood of someone dying at home often depends on the availability of able and willing lay carers to support them. Dying people are usually unable to take oral medication. When top-up symptom relief medication is required, a clinician travels to the home to administer injectable medication, with attendant delays. The administration of subcutaneous injections by lay carers, though not widespread practice in the UK, has proven key in achieving home deaths in other countries. Our aim is to determine if carer-administration of as-needed subcutaneous medication for four frequent breakthrough symptoms (pain, nausea, restlessness and noisy breathing) in home-based dying patients is feasible and acceptable in the UK. Methods: The paper describes a randomised pilot trial across three UK sites, with an embedded qualitative study. Dyads of adult patients/carers are eligible, where patients are in the last weeks of life, wish to die at home, and lay carers who are willing to be trained to give subcutaneous medication. Dyads who do not meet strict risk assessment criteria (including known history of substance abuse or carer ability to be trained to competency) will not be approached. Carers in the intervention arm will receive a manualised training package delivered by their local nursing team. Dyads in the control arm will receive usual care. The main outcomes of interest are feasibility, acceptability, recruitment rates, attrition and selection of the most appropriate outcome measures. Interviews with carers and healthcare professionals will explore attitudes to, experiences of and preferences for giving subcutaneous medication and experience of trial processes. The study has obtained full ethical approval. Discussion: This study will rehearse the procedures and logistics which will be undertaken in a future definitive randomised controlled trial, and will inform the design of such a study. Findings will illuminate methodological and ethical issues pertaining to researching last days of life care. The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (Health Technology Assessment [HTA] project 15/10/37). Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN 11211024. Assigned 27 September 2016, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11211024. Keywords: End-of-life care, Care of the dying, Palliative care, Symptom control, Carer administration, Randomised pilot trial


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlise Poolman ◽  
Jessica Roberts ◽  
Anthony Byrne ◽  
Paul Perkins ◽  
Zoe Hoare ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Whilst the majority of seriously ill people wish to die at home, only half achieve this. The likelihood of someone dying at home often depends on the availability of able and willing lay carers to support them. Dying people are usually unable to take oral medication. When top-up symptom relief medication is required, a clinician travels to the home to administer injectable medication, with attendant delays. The administration of subcutaneous injections by lay carers, though not widespread practice in the UK, has proven key in achieving home deaths in other countries. Our aim is to determine if carer-administration of as-needed subcutaneous medication for four frequent breakthrough symptoms (pain, nausea, restlessness and noisy breathing) in home-based dying patients is feasible and acceptable in the UK. Methods: The paper describes a randomised pilot trial across three UK sites, with an embedded qualitative study. Dyads of adult patients/carers are eligible, where patients are in the last weeks of life, wish to die at home, and lay carers who are willing to be trained to give subcutaneous medication. Dyads who do not meet strict risk assessment criteria (including known history of substance abuse or carer ability to be trained to competency) will not be approached. Carers in the intervention arm will receive a manualised training package delivered by their local nursing team. Dyads in the control arm will receive usual care. The main outcomes of interest are feasibility, acceptability, recruitment rates, attrition and selection of the most appropriate outcome measures. Interviews with carers and healthcare professionals will explore attitudes to, experiences of and preferences for giving subcutaneous medication and experience of trial processes. The study has obtained full ethical approval. Discussion: This study will rehearse the procedures and logistics which will be undertaken in a future definitive randomised controlled trial, and will inform the design of such a study. Findings will illuminate methodological and ethical issues pertaining to researching last days of life care. The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (Health Technology Assessment [HTA] project 15/10/37). Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN 11211024. Assigned 27 September 2016, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11211024. Keywords: End-of-life care, Care of the dying, Palliative care, Symptom control, Carer administration, Randomised pilot trial


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7595-7595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Seckl ◽  
Christian Ottensmeier ◽  
Michael H. Cullen ◽  
Peter Schmid ◽  
Lindsay E. James ◽  
...  

7595 Background: Most SCLC patients initially respond to chemotherapy but then relapse and die so new therapies are urgently required. Pre-clinical data shows statins induce growth arrest and apoptosis in SCLC and several other tumour cell types and are additive with chemotherapy. This may in part be due to impaired Ras superfamily function as statins deplete mevalonate, reducing geranylgeranylation and farnesylation of these proteins. We therefore undertook this large pragmatic phase III trial in order to determine if overall survival (OS) was affected by the addition of pravastatin in SCLC. Methods: Patients with limited (LD) or extensive (ED) stage SCLC were randomised to pravastatin 40mg OD or placebo for up to 2 years and given standard chemotherapy according to local practice recommended as either cisplatin 60mg/m2 iv or carboplatin AUC 5 or 6 and etoposide 120 mg/m2iv d1 to 3 or 100 mg BD po d2 & 3; max 6 cycles plus radiotherapy as usually given. Patients were excluded if they had used statins within 12 months prior to randomisation. Stratification was: LD vs ED and ECOG 0,1 vs 2,3. Endpoints were: primary - OS; secondary - progression free survival (PFS), local PFS (local control), response rates (RR) and toxicity. Results: Between 2007 and 2012, 846 patients were randomised, 422 (49.9.%) received pravastatin and 424 (50.1%) placebo in 93 participating sites in the UK. The median age was 64 years (range 54-69); ECOG performance status: 0: 23%; 1: 54%; 2: 17% and 3: 6%; weight 72.6 kg; LD, 357 (42.2%); ED, 479 (56.6%); 211 (24.9%) had ipsilateral effusion and 201 (23.8%) had ipsilateral SCF lymph nodes; Relative Dose intensity of cisplatin/carboplatin and etoposide was 91.6% (range 80.8 to 99.7), and 94.7% (range 85.7 to 100); 83.4% vs 86.3% completed > 4 cycles of chemotherapy on the pravastatin and placebo arms respectively. Most patients completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy: 263 (62.3%) vs 265 (62.5%) in the pravastatin vs. placebo groups. Updated results showing OS, PFS, local PFS and toxicity will be presented. Conclusions: This trial will report on whether pravastatin 40 mg OD added to standard therapy alters the outcome for SCLC patients. Clinical trial information: ISRCTN56306957.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e025265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Oostendorp ◽  
Nicola White ◽  
Priscilla Harries ◽  
Sarah Yardley ◽  
Christopher Tomlinson ◽  
...  

IntroductionClinicians often struggle to recognise when palliative care patients are imminently dying (last 72 hours of life). A previous study identified the factors that expert palliative care doctors (with demonstrated prognostic skills) had used, to form a judgement about which patients were imminently dying. This protocol describes a study to evaluate whether an online training resource showing how experts weighted the importance of various symptoms and signs can teach medical students to formulate survival estimates for palliative care patients that are more similar to the experts’ estimates.Methods and analysisThis online double-blind randomised controlled trial will recruit at least 128 students in the penultimate or final year of medical school in the UK. Participants are asked to review three series of vignettes describing patients referred to palliative care and provide an estimate about the probability (0%–100%) that each patient will die within 72 hours. After the first series, students randomised to the intervention arm are given access to an online training resource. All participants are asked to complete a second series of vignettes. After 2 weeks, all participants are asked to complete a third series. The primary outcome will be the probability of death estimates (0%–100%) provided by students in the intervention and control arms for the second series of vignettes. Secondary outcomes include the maintenance effect at 2-week follow-up, weighting of individual symptoms and signs, and level of expertise (discrimination and consistency).Ethics and disseminationApproval has been obtained from the UCL Research Ethics Committee (8675/002) and local approvals will be obtained as appropriate. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals using an open access format and presented at academic conferences. We will also publicise our findings on the Marie Curie website.Trial registration numberNCT03360812; Pre-results.


Author(s):  
Marie Gaille ◽  
◽  
Ruth Horn

AbstractThis paper presents a joint position of the UK-France Genomics and Ethics Network (UK-FR GENE), which has been set up to reflect on the ethical and social issues arising from the integration of genomics into routine clinical care in the UK and France. In 2018, the two countries announced enhanced cooperation between their national strategies, Genomics England and Plan France Médecine Génomique 2025, which offers a unique opportunity to study the impact of genomic medicine and relevant policies in different national contexts. The paper provides first insights into the two national strategies and the norms, values and principles at stake in each country. It discusses the impact of genomic medicine on established relationships and existing regulations, and examines its effects on solidarity and trust in public healthcare systems. Finally, it uses the social contract as an analytical lens to explore and redefine the balance between individual rights and collective duties in the context of genomic medicine. This paper leads to three key observations: (1) despite each country’s strategy being at a different stage of implementation, the two countries face similar ethical issues; (2) each country tries to solve these issues by (re-)defining individual rights and collective duties in its own way; (3) the social contract presents a useful tool to analyse the ways the UK and France address the ethical challenges raised by genomics. This overview lays the groundwork for future in-depth comparison, and drive collaborative research, between the UK and France.


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