Finally, an article was posted this morning by the Wall Street Journal about social media communication compromising drug trials.
Working at a cancer hospital, we have a number of clinical trials that are
testing new therapies, drugs, and treatments. I have heard before from
healthcare professionals that they worry about what information is being shared
online about the trials. Even though the healthcare team explicitly explains
the importance and rules of the study, patients can and sometimes do still
compromise the research. I think it is
important that the FDA consider establishing social media communication policies
for subjects in trials to follow. It is also vital that the FDA create
guidelines for researchers to follow when they discover subjects in trials
communicate with one another on social media in order to not compromise the
studies. I understand that patients need
an outlet to communicate and learn more about their treatments; however, I feel
that drug trials are trying to determine effective treatment options that can
be used to save the lives of many. Additional regulations should be placed to
ensure the accuracy of the trials. Anyway, enough of my rambling. It is a good
post, long…but really important in that it brings to light an issue several
researchers are experiencing.
