Patient and caregiver motivators and barriers to eczema clinical trial participation: Analysis of survey data.

Background: Eczema clinical trials (CTs) are increasing in number, yet participation across the eczema community is low. Little is known about patient characteristics and views on motivators and barriers to CT participation (CTP). Objectives: Determine factors that motivate or impede participation in eczema CT and respondent characteristics associated with these factors. Methods: Qualitative thematic analysis was performed on open-ended questions from an online survey that collected respondent demographics, understanding of and experience with CTs, and drivers/barriers to CTP. Mixed-methods analysis included 924 respondents, 728 (78.8%) adults with eczema and 196 (21.2%) caregivers of children with eczema. Results: A large proportion (71.8%) of respondents would potentially participate in CTs. The most common theme for why a respondent considered or would explore CTP was burden of disease (81.0% and 57.3% respectively). Among those who participated in or considered a CT, caregivers ( Conclusions: Motivating factors for CTP include greater disease burden; lack of awareness represents a large barrier. Healthcare providers are trusted intermediaries with ability to refer and inform about CTs; they have a potentially significant role in raising awareness and discussing eczema patient/caregiver perspectives related to CTP. Investigators should tailor recruitment approaches and study design where possible to address identified motivators and barriers.