Firefighter willingness to participate in a stem cell clinical trial for burns: A mixed methods study. Issue 8 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horch, Jenny D.; Carr, Eloise C.J.; Harasym, Patricia; Burnett, Lindsay; Biernaskie, Jeff; Gabriel, Vincent
• Is Part Of: Burns. Volume 42:Issue 8(2016)
• Page Start: 1740
• Page End: 1750
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Firefighter -- Split thickness skin graft -- Burn -- Stem cell -- Risk -- Mixed methods; Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; 617.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2016.06.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4179

Abstract

Highlights: Firefighters (74%) would participate in a stem cell trial after burn. Motivation included altruism, improved STSG outcomes, trust, and belief in science. Concerns related to stem cells were cancer and worsened pain or sensation. Those with low social support and those with children were more risk tolerant. Most lacked sufficient knowledge to make an informed decision regarding stem cells. Abstract: Adult stem cells represent a potentially renewable and autologous source of cells to regenerate skin and improve wound healing. Firefighters are at risk of sustaining a burn and potentially benefiting from a split thickness skin graft (STSG). This mixed methods study examined firefighter willingness to participate in a future stem cell clinical trial, outcome priorities and factors associated with this decision. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used. The quantitative phase (online questionnaire) was followed by the qualitative phase (semi-structured interviews). A sample of 149 firefighters completed the online survey, and a purposeful sample of 15 firefighters was interviewed. Results: A majority (74%) reported they would participate in a future stem cell clinical trial if they experienced burn benefiting from STSG. Hypothetical concerns related to receiving a STSG were pain, itch, scarring/redness and skin durability. Participants indicated willingness to undergo stem cell therapy if the risk of no improvement was 43% or less. Risk tolerance was predicted by perceived social support and having children. Interviews revealed four main themes: a desire to help others, improving clinical outcomes, trusting relationships, and a belief in scientific investigation. Many participants admitted lacking sufficient knowledge to make an informed decision regarding stem cell therapies. Conclusions: Firefighters indicated they were largely willing to participate in a stem cell clinical trial but also indicated a lack of knowledge upon which to make a decision. Public education of the role of stem cells in STSG will be increasingly important as clinical trials are developed.