British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Impact of ‘Get Randomised’ Campaign in Scotland

The first of its kind in the UK, the ‘Get Randomised’ campaign - which ran in late 2008 - communicated to the public the importance of research trials in determining the most effective way to treat patients.

The project was backed by a team of top Scots medics and academics, some of whom appeared in a series of adverts across television, radio and newspapers. A website -  www.getrandomised.org - provided more information to the public about clinical trials.

The results of the impact of the ‘Get Randomised’ campaign are published today (Thursday January 21st) in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

Thousands of clinical trials take place in the UK, and researchers are always looking for more patients who would be happy to take part. There is also a need to make sure that all ages of people get the chance to take part in clinical research, including the elderly and the very young.

Dr Isla Mackenzie, Senior Clinical Trials Physician in the Medicines Monitoring Unit at the University of Dundee and lead author of the paper which appears in the Journal,  said, “Clinical trials allow us to find the best possible treatments for patients by comparing different treatments in a scientific way.

“There is a real need for more clinical research in lots of different disease areas. We rely on patients volunteering to help with research to find the answers to important clinical questions.

“However, there was a feeling that not enough people were aware of the opportunity they have to take part in clinical trials, hence the ‘Get Randomised’ campaign. We have since measured the impact of that campaign, and it does appear to have had a significant and positive effect.”

A survey of 1,040 adults in Scotland before and after the campaign looked at changes in awareness and understanding of clinical trials and measured how successful the campaign had been in reaching the public.

Results showed that public awareness of clinical trials improved along with understanding of some aspects of clinical trials, such as the need to include all age groups in research. The campaign reached at least 50% of the sample population, with the majority having seen the TV adverts.

Most people thought that the main message was that people should take part more in clinical research.

The Get Randomised campaign was led by Professor Tom MacDonald of the Medicines Monitoring Unit, University of Dundee, in collaboration with leading figures from the Universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Professor Tom MacDonald adds “Through this campaign, the importance of clinical trials has become better understood by the public, which is likely to increase participation and ultimately help patients to help themselves and future generations to better treatment.”