van den Berg, P, Kendal, S orcid.org/0000-0001-8557-5716, Alderson, HV et al. (1 more author) (2017) An exploration of patients’ experiences of participation in a randomised controlled trial of the Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes (MACS) decision rule. Emergency Medicine Journal, 34 (9). pp. 593-598. ISSN 1472-0205
Abstract
Background As an important part of a pilot study to determine the feasibility of a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing use of the Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes (MACS) decision rule with standard care, we aimed to explore patient attitudes and potential barriers to participation in a trial of this nature.
Methods We conducted a qualitative study nested within a pilot RCT comparing use of the MACS rule (which could enable some patients with chest pain to be discharged earlier) with standard care. Semi-structured interviews with consenting participants were conducted with reference to a bespoke topic guide. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework method with an inductive approach.
Results The 10 interviewees expressed that participation in the trial was generally acceptable. All but one recommended participation to others. Participants who were in pain or anxious at the time of arrival reported that the initial invitation to participate in the trial was sometimes made too early. The approach was welcome, providing they had been given time to settle. Interviewees welcomed the opportunity that trial participation offered for them to play a more active role in their healthcare and to reduce unnecessary waiting time. Participants appeared to like the fact that participation in the trial might mean they could return home sooner and welcomed the provision of follow-up. Although several participants described being generally sceptical of medical research, they were amenable to participation in this trial. This appears to be because they agreed with the need for research in this field and perceived the intervention as non-invasive.
Conclusions Patients were positive about their participation in this RCT comparing the MACS rule with standard care. A number of areas for improving trial design were identified and should be considered in the planning of future large trials.
Trial registration ISRCTN 86818215
Research ethics committee reference 13/NW/0081
UKCRN registration ID 14334
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted. This is an author produced version of an article, published in Emergency Medicine Journal. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Healthcare (Leeds) > Nursing Mental Health (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 28 Jan 2022 15:16 |
Last Modified: | 28 Jan 2022 15:16 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
Identification Number: | 10.1136/emermed-2016-206073 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:183012 |
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