The development and use of a web application to aid clinician involvement and patient agency in clinical trial recruitment

Clinical research is crucial to advancing medicine. There are a range of barriers to patient enrolment in clinical trials, primarily trial awareness. Currently, numerous clinical trial searching sites are available, however, many are targeted at clinicians. The aim of this dissertation was to develop a clinical trials searching website for Urology patients at Morriston Hospital, and to evaluate whether it can increase patient agency, as the hypothesis. This research conducted a literature review of research enrolment barriers and methods for increasing enrolment. The development methodology was an approximation of Scrum and Feature Driven Development. Usability testing was conducted by 33 participants from the local area. Virtual interviews were conducted, where participants adopted fictional patient details and followed instructions to use the site, thereafter evaluating their experience through a survey. A range of qualitative and quantitative questions were used, including Brooke’s System Usability Scale. Usability data were supported by demonstrations to stakeholders and patient involvement representatives. Four questions assessed success rates for key steps in site usage, with success rates of 31/33 to 32/33. Both the mean and median System Usability Scale scores surpassed the accepted average website score of 68, at 80 and 85 respectively. Scores ranged from 50 to 100, so individual question responses were analysed. Both demonstrations concluded that the site met initial requirements. This research was a success, indicating that the site facilitates agency. Age and technical literacy were shown to have a similar impact on usability as seen in the literature review. The results are limited as they cannot be generalised to patients. Therefore, the hypothesis can be endorsed but not proved. As such, future work includes involvement of patients in the evaluation, expansion to other clinical specialties, and further exploration of literature.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Hooper, Austin

• QA75 Cyfrifiaduron electronig
• QA76 Meddalwedd Cyfrifiadurol
• R Meddygaeth (Cyffredinol)

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:2366