A demonstration project to increase the awareness of cancer clinical trials among community-dwelling seniors.

Abstract

To describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of an educational program to increase the awareness of cancer clinical trials among community-dwelling seniors in a southeastern metropolitan community. Published articles, research findings, conference proceedings, government-issued educational materials, and clinical experiences with patient recruitment and enrollment. The elderly are underrepresented significantly in cancer clinical trials. Often, patients and the lay public are not aware of clinical trials or have misconceptions about research. Community outreach efforts represent one viable strategy to close this knowledge gap. Local communities can build partnerships to identify creative methods for disseminating materials about clinical trials. Oncology nurses can create and participate in partnerships that communicate information about cancer clinical trials within their local communities.