3412 Informed Consent: Refining the Process

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: -This study aims to evaluate our retention rate into our prospective clinical trial. We will be comparing the rate of withdrawal both before and after our revamped informed consent process. -We aim to assess patient satisfaction with our study and u METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: -The informed consent process for an observational prospective study at our institution has been modified to lengthen the recruitment and consenting process. -In brief, the research protocol for this observational prospective aims to evaluate the role of steroids on ulcer healing in patients with ulcerative colitis. This study involves an initial standard of care colonoscopy with biopsies and photos. The areas biopsied are marked with a tattoo. The patients are started on steroids for management of their Ulcerative Colitis, and must return for two research colonoscopies at one week post- initial diagnostic visit, and at one month. Additional study biopsies are obtained at the one week visit and photo documentation is obtained. At the one month visit, only photos are obtained to document healing. -In addition to patients with active ulcerative colitis, this study recruits control groups of patients with UC in remission, as well as two groups of normal control patients (one group on steroids for non-IBD reasons, and one group not on steroids. -Prior to our informed consent intervention, patients were screened for eligibility on the day of their standard of care endoscopy. The study was explained to the patient prior to their endoscopy, often in the “pre-op” endoscopy suite. -Our intervention seeks to draw out the consent and recruitment process. All patients scheduled for upcoming endoscopies will be mailed a generic flyer announcing research studies occurring in the endoscopy suite. Patients will be pre-screened at least a week prior to endoscopy with the aid of the endoscopy scheduler. Patients interested in hearing about research will be contacted via phone by study personnel, and a copy of the consent as well as a brief summary will be mailed to the patient. -Patients potentially interested in study participation will be asked to arrive 30 minutes earlier than they typically would for their procedure, and they will be consented in a quiet and private consultation room. They will be given ample time to ask clarifying questions regarding the study. -At the conclusion of their participation, patients will receive an anonymous post-participation survey that seeks to assess their feelings regarding the study and their understanding of the research process. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This study adds to the ongoing body of evidence suggesting that the informed consent process is more than the three key elements initially described by the Belmont Report 40 years ago. Several factors can impact patient’s willingness to participate in research, and the amount of time it takes for patients to achieve all three elements of consent can vary from person to person. The traditional method of consent just prior to study entrance is one that needs to be revisited, and we propose that prolonging the consenting process will positively impact not only patients, but also the overall research process by ensuring that those who decide to participate remain adherent to study protocols.