Are Bulgarians ready to participate in Clinical Trials?

More than half of Bulgarians are willing to participate in Clinical Trials. 

7 out of 10 hopes in this way to cope with a currently incurable disease 

More than half of Bulgarians would participate in a Clinical Trial, according to a sociological survey conducted by ARC Rynek and Opinia in December 2021 on behalf of the international platform for Clinical Trials Pratia.

63% of our compatriots state that they have encountered the expression "Clinical Trials," and 7 out of 10 respondents (69%) who have heard of Clinical Trials rate their knowledge at least at an average level. In comparison, 31% describe them as low or very low. Over half (55%) of those who have heard of Clinical Trials have a positive attitude, 39% – neutral, and only 6% – are negative. In most cases, attitudes towards Clinical Trials are formed based on information from traditional media, medical professionals, and lay opinions. 7 out of 10 Bulgarians (71%) of those who have come across the term "clinical studies" believe that they offer hope for controlling conditions that are currently incurable. 7% of Bulgarians state that they have participated in Clinical Trials.

More than half of respondents (52%) would participate in a Clinical Trial if they could and had to. The percentage of those who have already participated in Clinical Trials and are more likely to do so again is even higher, at 68%.

The most frequently cited motive for participating in Clinical Trials (63%) is the chance to cure a disease for which other treatment methods have failed. Next is access to innovative treatment methods (39%) and facilitated free access to health care (30%). One-fifth trust the positive opinion of other people about the drug under investigation.

"Pratia aspires to provide easy and free access to innovative therapies to every Bulgarian Patient, regardless of where they are in the country. We see that the level of awareness about Clinical Trials is still not high enough, and urban legends and myths about the subject have been circulating in society for a long time. We aim to debunk them by working with the media and doctors to provide reliable facts about Clinical Trials. Only in this way will we ensure that Patients make rational decisions to improve their health, based on reliable sources of information," says Dr. Martin Kosturski, executive director of Pratia Bulgaria. 

Before deciding, those willing to participate in Clinical Trials would first consult their GP (56%) and/or a specialist (55%). A smaller proportion would look for information on medical websites (23%) or Clinical Trials (22%). Only 17% of respondents would discuss their decision with their partner, and only 10% with their parents.

The main barriers to participation in Clinical Trials are concerns about the unwanted effect of a given therapy (56%) and unfamiliar therapy (38%). For 14%, the need to visit research centers is an obstacle.

"Patient safety always comes first when it comes to Clinical Trials. There are rigorous procedures that we follow every day. Before a Clinical Trial can be started, regulators must approve it and look after Patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and ethical aspects. The health of the Patients is examined regularly. Doctors recommend participation in Clinical Trials only if this is the best option for the Patient," says Dr. Miroslav Stoyanov, head of the "Cardiology" department at the "Dr. Tota Venkova" Medical Center. 

Our compatriots' primary source of knowledge about innovative therapeutic methods and Clinical Trials are personal Doctors and medical specialists, followed by medical and Clinical Trial websites. They are followed by blogs, online forums, social media, friends, pharmacists, and books.

"The data from the conducted research shows an excellent level of basic awareness among Bulgarians about the nature of Clinical Trials. This means that with the help of the media and medical professionals, who are the first choice of people when it comes to the need for information, more and more Patients will know the possibilities of Clinical Trials and will have a trusted source of information to help them make an informed decision about the most appropriate health care for them," adds Mihaela Kokenska, Clinical Operations Manager at Pratia Bulgaria.