Preferences and expectations of patients in clinical trial about laboratory exams at home and remote tests

Abstract

Objective: To understand the acceptance of clinical trial patients regarding in-house exams, remote tests and teleconsultations, revealing their preferences and expectations Method: Qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study, with in-depth interviews involving health professionals (specialists) and patients, with and without experience in clinical trials, with subsequent validation of the constructs through a participatory workshop. Results: For clinical trial patients, acceptance was relative. Several factors influence their preferences and expectations, the main ones being: a) The degree of reliability in the processes and the accuracy of the results of home exams. b) Remote tests, although well accepted, depend on the ability of the patient to understand the correct handling of the required technology. c) Teleconsultation, already well used and accepted, does not completely replace the face-to-face meeting with the doctor in critical phases. The preference is for the balanced use of “in person versus remote”. Conclusion: Acceptance is influenced by several variables. Adequate strategies must be defined for each case, to ensure safe and reliable results, with a balance between face-to-face and remote, through the active participation of patients in decision-making.