Clinical research: the patients' perspectives.

Abstract

Patients' perspectives in clinical research have become increasingly interesting and important. Much effort has recently been made to understand, evaluate and promote the patients' active roles in and unique views on their involvement in clinical research, and how these may help resolve old and new problems in research planning, conduct and implementation. In this article issues regarding informed consent, differences between medical care and medical research, confidentiality, conflicts of interest and disclosure of study results are considered from the patients' point of view.