Clinical trials are essential for identifying and characterizing interventions to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Educational efforts aimed at the public and health care providers raise awareness of the concept of clinical research and the important role it plays in improving health and quality of life. Prior knowledge of clinical research helps patients consider a clinical trial as an option at the time treatment decisions are being made. Poor accrual rates to clinical trials can be addressed through increased awareness of the benefits of clinical research.
One of the principle challenges of recruiting participants is the lack of awareness and education about clinical trials, availability, and how to participate.
To learn more, visit the NIH page, Opportunities for Education and Awareness.