"Fortunate are those who take the first steps"? The psychosocial impact of novel drug development

Rebecca Dobra; Susan Madge; Isaac Martin; Paul Weldon; Nicholas Simmonds; Jane C Davies

doi:10.1016/j.prrv.2019.02.005

"Fortunate are those who take the first steps"? The psychosocial impact of novel drug development

Paediatr Respir Rev. 2019 Aug:31:9-11. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2019.02.005. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Authors

Rebecca Dobra¹, Susan Madge², Isaac Martin³, Paul Weldon⁴, Nicholas Simmonds⁵, Jane C Davies⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK. Electronic address: r.dobra@rbht.nhs.uk.
² Department of Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
³ National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.
⁴ Department of Psychological Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
⁵ Department of Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.
⁶ Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.

PMID: 30975518
DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2019.02.005

Abstract

Novel drug development offers people with cystic fibrosis exciting opportunities but is not without challenges. Currently, there is an understandable emphasis on protecting patients' physical health when developing treatments. However, there appears to be little consideration of how novel drug development impacts on psychosocial wellbeing, or the downstream consequences of this. Using an illustrative case and reviewing the literature we explore themes regarding the psychosocial impact of trial participation and novel drug development and identify areas requiring further research. Through this, we hope to prepare healthcare professionals to better understand the needs of their patients in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Keywords: Clinical research; Clinical trials; Drug development; Psychosocial impact.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Trials as Topic*
Cystic Fibrosis / drug therapy*
Drug Development*
Humans
Patient Participation / psychology*