Perceptions of Clinical Trial Participation in African American Cancer Survivors and Caregivers

PURPOSE: To explore the perceptions of African American survivors and caregivers about participation in clinical trials. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 13 participants were enrolled and participated in one of the focus groups, and 11 participated in two focus groups. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A qualitative descriptive study using a community-based participatory research approach. Focus groups guided by Freire's dialogic model explored the perceptions of African American patients with cancer about participation in clinical trials. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. FINDINGS: The analysis identified three main themes: (a) facilitators for participation, (b) barriers to participation, and (c)facilitators and barriers playing dual roles. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The under-representation of African American patients in clinical trials contributes to racial health disparity by negatively affecting health outcomes and quality of care delivered to this population. Oncology nurses are at the forefront of cancer care and in the best position to advocate for individuals with cancer, particularly those who face health inequalities. Findings from this study guided the recommendations.