Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Submitted by: Christina M. Parker, M.D., Assistant Director for Faculty Activities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA

The following information was submitted on behalf of the candidate for the award. The Institute may have edited the text for presentation purposes. Health Improvement Institute has not verified, and does not guarantee, the completeness or accuracy of the information for any purpose.

Description: The audiovisual program “ Entering a Clinical Trial: Is it Right for You?”, was created to explain the different types of clinical trials and their purpose and to provide information that help patients decide whether or not to take part in a trial.

Significance/contribution: This program offers a model for the production of educational materials based upon collaboration between patients and clinical caregivers. This program that has been developed to directly, honestly and clearly refute many of the misconceptions through the voices of real patients, so that a Patient’s decision is made with a clear understanting about the overall nature of clinical trials, in keeping with the concept of informed consent. It can also serve as an educational tool for Consenters, clarifying the nature of clinical trials and offering strategies for improving the Patient/Consenter interaction during the consent process.

Impact: This program provides a balanced explanation of clinical trial to Patients. It many encourage discussions between the Patient and his or her family members or friends and help them feel comfortable with the Patient’s decision. It also offers strategies that might help Oncology clinicians interact effectively with Patient. The Program highlights how important it is that the Patient and the Consenter discuss the clinical trial openly and honestly, in the context of the Patient’s own needs and value, so “the decision that is made feels right for that individual person”. The program greatly enriches educational opportunities for patients and their families.

Innovators: Many individuals and groups participated in the development of the Program. The team included: Christina M. Parker, MD; DFCI Patient and Family Advisory Council; Advisory Group; Rose Films, Inc.; Program Participants; Health care professionals; Additional groups; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Member Institutions; National Institute of Health.

Applicant’s justification for award: This program protects the right of a Patient to make an autonomous decision based upon an accurate understanding of clinical trials. It represents a critical new resource for Patients and their family members, and hospitals training new clinical investigators.


For additional information:
Christina M. Parker, M.D.
Tel: 617-632-3243
Fax: 617-632-4452
Email: Christina_parker@dfci.harvard.edu