Clinical trials: the viewpoint of children with a chronic illness compared with healthy children. Issue 3 (19th October 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cherrill, J; Hudson, H; Cocking, C; Unsworth, V; Franck, L; Fakis, A; McIntyre, J; Choonara, I
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 95:Issue 3(2010)
• Page Start: 229
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2009-10-19
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2009.159145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : The views of over 200 children (11–16 years old, who were either healthy or attending paediatric medical clinics with a chronic illness) on issues relating to paediatric clinical trials were determined by a questionnaire. Children with a chronic illness had a better understanding of the concept of dosing of medicines (40% vs 23%) and placebo (34% vs 20%). They were more likely to support children's involvement in clinical trials (51% vs 37%). The altruistic nature of children in both groups was similar. It was of concern, however, that 57–63% children would participate as healthy volunteers in a cancer drug trial. Both groups were able to differentiate between the different types of illnesses where it is appropriate to study medicines in children (86–89% for illness where there is no treatment; 34–40% for 'me-too' drugs). Young people should be given more opportunities to be involved in decision-making regarding clinical trials of medicines.