Attitudes to drug trials among relatives of unconscious intensive care patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In many countries relatives are asked to consent on behalf of ICU patients prior to inclusion in clinical trials. However, the attitudes to drug trials among relatives of unconscious ICU patients are largely unknown.

Methods

We performed a prospective questionnaire survey at two university hospital ICUs of the next-of-kin to 50 unconscious adult patients. They were asked to complete a questionnaire within 48 hours of the patients' acute ICU admission.

Results

Forty-two relatives returned the questionnaire of which 41 were completed by direct family members and in one case by a friend to the patient.The majority of relatives (36/42) were positive/positive with some scepticism towards performing drug trials in unconscious ICU patients and 30/42 would most lik

SUBMITTER: Perner A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2890661 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature