In the health science industry, the fact that not enough patients are participating in clinical trials and studies is one of the biggest challenges keeping researchers from making major breakthroughs. Clinical trials are essential because they allow scientists to come up with life-saving solutions to public health concerns.
Especially now that an opioid epidemic is affecting the country, those who are suffering from substance use disorders or SUDs are essential to the success of these studies. However, volunteers who are willing and able to participate in studies testing new treatments and therapeutic approaches are scarce. This means that scientists are unable to test their effectiveness.
There are a couple of reasons why there is a lack of participation in medical research. The first one is the fact that patients are not even aware of the studies. Even those who do want to volunteer don’t know how to. Another common reason is that patients do not see any direct benefit from participating in these studies.
In fact, many clinical trials for new cancer treatments have been delayed or even canceled altogether because of the difficulty of recruiting participants.
In terms of testing new medications or behavioral treatments for SUDs, there are even more obstacles. Finding volunteers can be a challenge, because they may not intersect with the healthcare system for their addiction, the same way someone with cancer or Alzheimer’s might.
It’s similar to how there are thousands of people struggling with addiction, but only a fraction of them are actually getting treatment. Some people don’t want to seek medical treatment—even though those methods have already been proven to be effective. The number of people willing to participate in studies relating to substance use disorders is even smaller because the treatment hasn’t even been proven yet.
Most recruitment for clinical trials related to opioid addiction medications, for example, is done with the use of ads. The ads are placed at large opioid treatment centers where patients who receive their daily doses of methadone are guaranteed to see it.
And because of the stigma associated with substance use disorders, people are unlikely to reach out and volunteer. They fear further social or legal consequences of their addiction, deterring them from signing up to participate in research. Some people even distrust the medical profession altogether.
It is also worth noting that many people with addictions are unemployed, poor, or homeless. So even though they might want to participate in a trial, they do not have the resources or access to transportation necessary to visit a hospital or research center regularly.
Oftentimes, half or even more than half of the participants recruited for a trial are unable to complete it.
But there are benefits to participating in medical research. Clinical trial participants have access to top specialists in treating their disorder, as well as access to high-quality medical facilities. They sometimes receive cutting edge treatments before they become widely available.
Study participants are also given compensation for their time. Frequently, they are also reimbursed for transportation and other expenses. Click the link to see Los Angeles's top rehab placement programs.
The less tangible benefits of participation are just as important, however. For example, it allows patients to have their questions answered. They can gain knowledge about their disorder. And of course, there is the fact that the patient is contributing to scientific knowledge. It can help thousands of people suffering from addiction.
Scientists studying new treatment methods and medications for addiction should always consider their real-world applications. On top of that, they need to make study participation easy and appealing so that more patients would volunteer. The studies should be made more accessible, to make it more convenient for willing participants.
If someone in the family is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against drug abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
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