TY - JOUR
T1 - Perspectives of European Patient Advocacy Groups on Volunteer Registries and Vaccine Trials
T2 - VACCELERATE Survey Study
AU - Themistocleous, Sophia
AU - Argyropoulos, Christos D.
AU - Vogazianos, Paris
AU - Shiamakkides, George
AU - Noula, Evgenia
AU - Nearchou, Andria
AU - Yiallouris, Andreas
AU - Filippou, Charalampos
AU - Stewart, Fiona A.
AU - Koniordou, Markela
AU - Kopsidas, Ioannis
AU - Askling, Helena H.
AU - Vene, Sirkka
AU - Gagneux-Brunon, Amandine
AU - Prellezo, Jana Baranda
AU - Álvarez-Barco, Elena
AU - Salmanton-García, Jon
AU - Leckler, Janina
AU - Macken, Alan J.
AU - Davis, Ruth Joanna
AU - Azzini, Anna Maria
AU - Armeftis, Charis
AU - Hellemans, Margot
AU - Marzo, Romina Di
AU - Luis, Catarina
AU - Olesen, Ole F.
AU - Valdenmaiier, Olena
AU - Jakobsen, Stine Finne
AU - Nauclér, Pontus
AU - Launay, Odile
AU - Mallon, Patrick
AU - Ochando, Jordi
AU - Damme, Pierre van
AU - Tacconelli, Evelina
AU - Zaoutis, Theoklis
AU - Cornely, Oliver A.
AU - Pana, Zoi Dorothea
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 JMIR Publications Inc.. All rights reserved.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Background: The VACCELERATE Pan-European Scientific network aims to strengthen the foundation of vaccine trial research across Europe by following the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity. The VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry network provides access to vaccine trial sites across the European region and supports a sustainable volunteer platform for identifying potential participants for forthcoming vaccine clinical research. Objective: The aim of this study was to approach members of patient advocacy groups (PAGs) across Europe to assess their willingness to register for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry and their perspectives related to participating in vaccine trials. Methods: In an effort to understand how to increase recruitment for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry, a standardized survey was developed in English and translated into 8 different languages (Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish) by the respective National Coordinator team. The online, anonymous survey was circulated, from March 2022 to May 2022, to PAGs across 10 European countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden) to share with their members. The questionnaire constituted of multiple choice and open-ended questions evaluating information regarding participants’ perceptions on participating in vaccine trials and their willingness to become involved in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry. Results: In total, 520 responses were collected and analyzed. The PAG members reported that the principal criteria influencing their decision to participate in clinical trials overall are (1) the risks involved, (2) the benefits that will be gained from their potential participation, and (3) the quality and quantity of information provided regarding the trial. The survey revealed that, out of the 520 respondents, 133 individuals across all age groups were “positive” toward registering in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry, with an additional 47 individuals reporting being “very positive.” Respondents from Northern European countries were 1.725 (95% CI 1.206-2.468) times more likely to be willing to participate in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry than respondents from Southern European countries. Conclusions: Factors discouraging participants from joining vaccine trial registries or clinical trials primarily include concerns of the safety of novel vaccines and a lack of trust in those involved in vaccine development. These outcomes aid in identifying issues and setbacks in present registries, providing the VACCELERATE network with feedback on how to potentially increase participation and enrollment in trials across Europe. Development of European health communication strategies among diverse public communities, especially via PAGs, is the key for increasing patients’ willingness to participate in clinical studies.
AB - Background: The VACCELERATE Pan-European Scientific network aims to strengthen the foundation of vaccine trial research across Europe by following the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity. The VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry network provides access to vaccine trial sites across the European region and supports a sustainable volunteer platform for identifying potential participants for forthcoming vaccine clinical research. Objective: The aim of this study was to approach members of patient advocacy groups (PAGs) across Europe to assess their willingness to register for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry and their perspectives related to participating in vaccine trials. Methods: In an effort to understand how to increase recruitment for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry, a standardized survey was developed in English and translated into 8 different languages (Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish) by the respective National Coordinator team. The online, anonymous survey was circulated, from March 2022 to May 2022, to PAGs across 10 European countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden) to share with their members. The questionnaire constituted of multiple choice and open-ended questions evaluating information regarding participants’ perceptions on participating in vaccine trials and their willingness to become involved in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry. Results: In total, 520 responses were collected and analyzed. The PAG members reported that the principal criteria influencing their decision to participate in clinical trials overall are (1) the risks involved, (2) the benefits that will be gained from their potential participation, and (3) the quality and quantity of information provided regarding the trial. The survey revealed that, out of the 520 respondents, 133 individuals across all age groups were “positive” toward registering in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry, with an additional 47 individuals reporting being “very positive.” Respondents from Northern European countries were 1.725 (95% CI 1.206-2.468) times more likely to be willing to participate in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry than respondents from Southern European countries. Conclusions: Factors discouraging participants from joining vaccine trial registries or clinical trials primarily include concerns of the safety of novel vaccines and a lack of trust in those involved in vaccine development. These outcomes aid in identifying issues and setbacks in present registries, providing the VACCELERATE network with feedback on how to potentially increase participation and enrollment in trials across Europe. Development of European health communication strategies among diverse public communities, especially via PAGs, is the key for increasing patients’ willingness to participate in clinical studies.
KW - COVID-19
KW - VACCELERATE
KW - clinical trial
KW - clinical trials
KW - health advocate
KW - health promotion
KW - healthcare
KW - patient advocacy groups
KW - public health
KW - vaccine trial
KW - vaccines
KW - volunteer registry
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85190079482&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2196/47241
DO - 10.2196/47241
M3 - Article
C2 - 38573762
AN - SCOPUS:85190079482
SN - 2369-2960
VL - 10
JO - JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
JF - JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
M1 - e47241
ER -