Educational Videos

Free Online Video Library Gives Patients Information about Cancer Clinical Trials

A new tool designed and tested by researchers at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University aims to educate patients about clinical trials and break down barriers to participation. The free video-based tool, known as Preparatory Education about Clinical Trials, or PRE-ACT, is available through the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s website, Cancer.net.

PRE-ACT, which was developed with support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers a library of 30 videos for cancer patients and their loved ones. The videos cover a variety of topics, such as the amount of time needed to participate in a trial, who pays for the trial, and information about trials available for specific types of cancer.

Researchers have found that despite being a viable and safe treatment option, only 3 to 5 percent of cancer patients in the U.S. choose to participate in a clinic trial. The developers of PRE-ACT hope that this tool will help clear up misperceptions about and improve attitudes toward clinical trials.

How It Works

After completing a short survey about their knowledge, opinions, and attitudes about healthcare and clinical trials, PRE-ACT users can review a series of videos tailored to their survey responses that cover topics such as receiving a placebo instead of an actual treatment, experiencing side effects, financial concerns, and a common view that clinical trials are only a last resort when all other treatment options have failed. The videos are available for viewing even if users do not want to complete the survey.

Access PRE-ACT Tool

Get more information and access the PRE-ACT video library at Cancer.net.