Student Nurses’ Recognition and Knowledge regarding Clinical Trials after a Clinical Trial Education Program

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate recognition and knowledge regarding clinical trials, in particular, after a clinical trial education program (CTEP) among student nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design of 215 student nurses at a university in Seoul was used with structured questionnaires. Results: Respondents had a high level of need for clinical trial and moderate levels in favorable image, safety, and need for education regarding clinical trial. The respondents who had participated in the CTEP felt the clinical trial more favorable and safer than those who did not. However, there were no significant differences in necessity of clinical trials and need for education regarding clinical trial between the CTEP participation and no participation groups. Respondents had a high level of knowledge about clinical trial, even though half of the respondents misunderstood that the physician can convince the subject to participate in clinical trial. There was no significant difference in knowledge level between groups. One third of the respondents had an intention to work in the area related to clinical trial because of aptitude or future prospect. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the CTEP might have an effect on student nurses` recognition rather than knowledge. The CTEP should be therefore developed targeting specific areas of misconceptions and recognition changesope