Patients ’ decision to contribute to a biobank in the light of the patient-recruiter relationship—a qualitative study of broad consent in a hospital setting

AbstractFindings from recent studies show that the relationship developed with the particular researcher asking for broad consent plays an important role in the participant ’s willingness to give consent. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in order to present a description and analysis of meetings in which broad consent took place and to examine the role of recruiters in the patients’ decision-making and in building trust in the Lausanne University Hospital Institutional Biobank (BIL). Our findings suggest that patient broad consent to biobanking is strongly related to its setting. BIL recruiters’ were aware of their role as ambassadors of the BIL and their responsibility towards patients. Patient interviewees were sensitive to the quality of the in formation delivered, the timing of the consent request and the recruiters’ attitudes and behaviours, including the presence of the white coat. Participating in the BIL also seemed to reinforce the patient’s self-esteem and perceived efficacy, particularly since they are themselves ill and inacti ve when requested to participate. Recruiters and participants report that participation may be motivated by fundamental (existential) goals. Organisational factors also affected recruiters’ activity and the broad consent procedure raising several ethical issues. This qualitative study suggests tha t biobanking based on information-based models of decision-making might need to be re-evaluated in order to improve broad co...
Source: Journal of Community Genetics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research