A third sees participants in clinical studies as "guinea pigs"

Almost one in four (22 percent) doubt the safety of clinical trials. The willingness to participate in a clinical trial is higher among men than women. The most common obstacle to participation is the fear of risks and side effects, according to the Spectra survey. According to the client MSD Austria, this is the first publication of data on the perception of clinical research in this country.

Uncertainties and Knowledge Gaps: Trust in Research Should Be Strengthened

The pharmaceutical company, currently with more than 50 active studies in Austria, announced that it would take the concerns of the respondents seriously and provide fact-based information in the future to strengthen trust in research in the long term. Clinical-pharmaceutical research is the foundation for modern, evidence-based medicine. It enables the development of new therapies and medications as well as the improvement of human and animal health.

"Many people in Austria see the value of clinical research and know that it is the necessary foundation for both medical and economic progress. At the same time, there are uncertainties and knowledge gaps that we need to eliminate," said Nicole Schlautmann, Managing Director of MSD Austria, according to a press release on the press conference.

250 Clinical Trials Per Year in Austria

"Each study follows the strictest international standards," emphasized Shahrokh Shariat, Head of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at MedUni Vienna. "The safety of our participants is always the top priority: their health condition is closely monitored, documented, and cared for - often more intensively than in regular care," he assured.

Clinical research refers to the testing of drugs and treatment methods on humans within the framework of studies. In the past five years, an average of 250 clinical trials have been applied for annually in Austria.

The Spectra survey was conducted online from August 26 to September 14 with 1,000 respondents aged 16 and over.

(APA/Red.)

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