Forging convictions: the effects of active participation in a clinical trial.

摘要: This qualitative study explored non-specific influences on participation in, and outcomes of, a randomised controlled trial. It was nested within single-blind clinical trial of western acupuncture which compared real with two types placebo control administered to National Health Service (NHS) patients awaiting hip knee replacement surgery in England. Data collection (2004–2008) based narrative-style interviews participant observation. The results indicate that recruitment retention depend set convictions forged largely as result contextual factors peripheral the intervention, including friendliness helpfulness research centre staff status administering practitioner. These also influence reporting outcomes, particularly if participants experience uncertainties when choosing an appropriate response. findings suggest trials are actively involved shaping process, rather than passive recipients treatment. Thus trials, notably those involving contact interventions, should be regarded not matters fact, but products complex environmental, social, interpretive biological processes. In this paper, we develop present ‘theory active participation’ offers framework for understanding impact processes trials.