Conducting clinical trials over the internet: feasibility study

摘要

The possibility of conducting clinical trials on line is a relatively unexplored application of the internet For online trials to be methodologically appealing they must be feasible, efficient, and valid More than 1200 people applied on line to take part in a trial of glucosamine in osteoarthritis of the knee Of 205 participants randomised, approximately 80% completed the trial The estimated cost of the trial was about half that of a hospital based approach The requirement for written consent and medical records slowed down the progress of the trial Most participants had a positive view of the trial and would be happy to participate in another such trial in the future.