The TRECA study
Randomised controlled trials are the best way to determine the effectiveness and safety of healthcare interventions.
However, there are very few healthcare trials involving children and adolescents meaning that important clinical decisions are based on evidence extrapolated from trials involving adults. A key barrier to paediatric trials is the high rates of patient (or parent) refusal to participate, though it is possible that this could be reduced by improving the quality of information that they receive about trial participation.
The printed information sheets which are currently used in most trials have been widely criticised for being too long, technical and lacking in visual appeal. Multimedia information (MMI) resources involving text, audio, video and animations have the potential to better inform children and adolescents and their parents about trials, potentially leading to their increased engagement in healthcare trials.
