EXPLAIN STUDY version 1.1 (21st January 2013)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploration of Altruism in Research, through use of qualitative interview in a cohort of Prostate Cancer patients, who have previously consented to taking part in a non-medical benefit research study.
IRAS ID
126355
Contact name
Thomas Michael Hill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria University
Research summary
The following is an empirical research project that is being carried out as part of a part-time MSc in Clinical Research (Northumbria University).
A literature search has identified a need within the medical and research communities, to gain a deeper understanding of the factors which motivate patient groups such as cancer patients,to participate in research trials. This is against a background of some research which suggests that the numbers of eligible patients who decide to take part in clinical research is decreasing globally. The primary aim of this Study will be to: qualitatively analyse the reasons given for research participation by a cohort of prostate cancer patients, who have previously agreed to take part in a ’no direct benefit’ research study. Further aims include gaining an understanding of altruistic behaviours and altruism within cancer patients, as it appears that altrusim may offer the best explanation for participation in ’no direct benefit’ research trials, and to increase knowledge into this socio-behavioural aspect of medical research for the benefit of the research community at large, in order to inform best practice for ethical recruitment into non direct benefit studies and other types of research studies. The research will be conducted with circa 6 patients using once-only individual biographical narrative interview sessions of approximately 1 hour duration within the Freeman Hospital.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0313
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion