ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We examined clinical trial knowledge and attitudes, and their relationship with willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials, and willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine among college students. PARTICIPANTS: 331 undergraduates: mean age 25; 72% women; and 78% white. METHODS: We administered an online, anonymous survey to undergraduate students in July, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The mean clinical trial knowledge score was 65% (SD = 16) correct. The mean attitudes toward clinical trials score (1 most negative: 5 most positive) was 3.3 (SD = 0.5). Attitudes toward clinical trials were associated with likelihood of COVID-19 trial participation (positive 76% vs. negative 35%, p = 0.001) and a trend toward likelihood of accepting a COVID-19 vaccine if available (positive 89% vs. negative 67%, p = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS: General clinical trial knowledge and attitudes appear to be important targets for educational interventions. Furthermore, fostering positive attitudes may lead to improved COVID-19 trial participation and vaccine uptake.
Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (U.S.) , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Stroke/therapy , COVID-19 , Clinical Trials as Topic , Education, Medical , Humans , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/drug therapy , Stroke Rehabilitation/statistics & numerical data , Telemedicine , United StatesABSTRACT
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires drastic changes in allocation of resources, which can affect the delivery of stroke care, and many providers are seeking guidance. As caregivers, we are guided by 3 distinct principles that will occasionally conflict during the pandemic: (1) we must ensure the best care for those stricken with COVID-19, (2) we must provide excellent care and advocacy for patients with cerebrovascular disease and their families, and (3) we must advocate for the safety of health care personnel managing patients with stroke, with particular attention to those most vulnerable, including trainees. This descriptive review by a diverse group of experts in stroke care aims to provide advice by specifically addressing the potential impact of this pandemic on (1) the quality of the stroke care delivered, (2) ethical considerations in stroke care, (3) safety and logistic issues for providers of patients with stroke, and (4) stroke research. Our recommendations on these issues represent our best opinions given the available information, but are subject to revision as the situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. We expect that ongoing emergent research will offer additional insights that will provide evidence that could prompt the modification or removal of some of these recommendations.