Patient's Perspective on Research: Comparing Ob and Gyn [26N]. (May 2016) - Wheeler, Sarahn
Abstract : INTRODUCTION: It is often assumed that obstetric (OB) patients are less likely to consider opportunities to participate in research. However, there is little research examining attitudes towards research in OB patients compared to other disciplines. Therefore, our aim was to compare OB and gynecologic (GYN) patients' perception of research. METHODS: Patients receiving OB or GYN care during a 5-week period were sent an email link to an online survey with questions about opportunities to participate in clinical research. Responses were compared between OB and GYN patients and by OB provider status (generalist versus subspecialist). Data were analyzed using Chi-square. RESULTS: 1337 patients (513 OB and 824 GYN) completed the survey. Opportunities to participate in clinical research were important to 42% of GYN and 41% of OB patients ( P =.9). Comparing OB subspecialist vs generalist patients, there was no significant difference in the proportion of participants who agreed the institution or department's reputation as a leader in research was important. There was also no difference in the proportion of patients who agreed opportunities to participate in clinical research are important (45.8 vs 39.5%, P =.2). However, GYN patients were more likely to respond that the institutions' reputation as a leader in was important to them (84% GYN vs 79% OB, P =.02). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between OB and GYN or by OB generalist v. subspecialty care in the proportion of patients who agreed opportunities to participate in research are important. Our findings challenge the myth that OB patients are less interested in participating in clinical research.