Methodology

Initial experience with a group presentation of study results to research participants

Andrew L Avins^1,2,3,4 , Stephen Bent^2,3,5 , Amy Padula² , Suzanne Staccone² , Evelyn Badua⁶ and Harley Goldberg¹

¹Division of Research, Northern California Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, USA

²General Internal Medicine Section, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA

³Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

⁴Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

⁵Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

⁶Urology Section, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA

author email corresponding author email

Trials 2008, 9:16doi:10.1186/1745-6215-9-16

Published:	21 March 2008

Abstract

Background

Despite ethical imperatives, informing research participants about the results of the studies in which they take part is not often performed. This is due, in part, to the costs and burdens of communicating with each participant after publication of the results.

Methods

Following the closeout and publication of a randomized clinical trial of saw palmetto for treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, patients were invited back to the research center to participate in a group presentation of the study results.

Results

Approximately 10% of participants attended one of two presentation sessions. Reaction to the experience of the group presentation was very positive among the attendees.

Conclusion

A group presentation to research participants is an efficient method of communicating study results to those who desire to be informed and was highly valued by those who attended. Prospectively planning for such presentations and greater scheduling flexibility may result in higher attendance rates.

Trial Registration Number

Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT00037154