Danger in Clinical Trial Websites

Medscape reports that clinical trial websites are popular with patients, but a new US government inspection reveals a potential danger for patients. None of the sites visited by federal inspectors for the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General disclosed the risks of participating in a study, while less than a third gave the names of the trial sponsors, reports Reuters. Such omissions may leave patients with false impressions, undermining the informed consent process, warned the OIG report.

While 29 websites presented the benefits of participating in a trial, none described the risks, according to the report.And a majority of sites did not indicate the phase of the clinical trial, making it impossible for a patient to distinguish a phase I trial that is designed strictly to test the safety of an experimental drug from a phase III trial focusing on efficacy and safety. Also of concern were lapses in website privacy policies. Of the 13 sites that collect personal information from visitors, most do not disclose how they will use the information (This is also something that should be of concern to people who visit drug-company sponsored MS sites, especially if you take advantage of features like an on-line diary or journal).