Table 4.

Ideal experiences, key information, and preferred communication methods before, during, and after clinical trial participation

TimingIdeal experiencesKey informationCommunication preferences
Before participation Learn about the trial from trusted source (eg, physician)
Personal physician supports participation
All study information accessible and in plain language
Less strict eligibility criteria (especially regarding age) to allow more individuals to participate
Time to consider participation
Trial is sponsored or conducted by a trusted organization 
All relevant information about the study intervention(s) (known benefits, side effects, method of administration)
Source of research funding and its history with SCD
Study protocol and policies (purpose, phase of the study, procedures involved, inclusion/exclusion criteria, volunteer expectations, duration of the trial, number of visits, compensation, reimbursed expenses) 
Ability to speak with personal physician to discuss risks and benefits of the study before enrollment and with past participants about their previous experiences
Connect with the study personnel by telephone and in-person to address questions or concerns
Text messages, e-mails, telephone calls, and face-to-face conversations 
During participation Treated as a partner by study personnel
Lodging and travel expenses covered if needed
Study personnel keep their regular physician informed of their progress and health
Participation has little to no impact on personal/day-to-day life
Study clinic environments are welcoming and have amenities such as television and Wi-Fi
Those enrolled can stay on their existing medication(s)
Compensation provided throughout the study as opposed to just at the end
Only minimally invasive procedures are required
Access to mental health support, support groups, and other resources 
Materials to explain the study to others
Progress updates (individual and study)
Who to contact with questions
How patients will be kept safe must be made clear
What data are being collected and what is being done with it
What role they play in the process 
Access to a 24/7 hotline for questions
Meet regularly with the study physician as well as their personal physician
Mobile apps and patient platforms could help communicate important information
Text message reminders for appointments
Visual aids to explain procedures
Follow-up telephone calls from the study staff to check in 
After participation Free access to the drug (if study is a success)
Access to long-term care and follow-up
Trial sponsor re-invests in the SCD community by sponsoring events or offering scholarships
Receive support during the transition to regular standard clinical care
Access to counseling sessions
Receive recognition for participation
Results of the study are communicated to personal physician 
Results of the study and personal results/progress in plain language
Understand how their participation made a difference
What was learned about any new side effects
Drug approval status and next steps
Information about future trial opportunities
How privacy will be maintained in the future 
Study results and personal results are e-mailed or sent via surface mail
Facetime, in-person, and telephone call follow-ups
Public service announcement or media broadcasts of results
In-person meetings or conferences to learn more about results and connect with others 
TimingIdeal experiencesKey informationCommunication preferences
Before participation Learn about the trial from trusted source (eg, physician)
Personal physician supports participation
All study information accessible and in plain language
Less strict eligibility criteria (especially regarding age) to allow more individuals to participate
Time to consider participation
Trial is sponsored or conducted by a trusted organization 
All relevant information about the study intervention(s) (known benefits, side effects, method of administration)
Source of research funding and its history with SCD
Study protocol and policies (purpose, phase of the study, procedures involved, inclusion/exclusion criteria, volunteer expectations, duration of the trial, number of visits, compensation, reimbursed expenses) 
Ability to speak with personal physician to discuss risks and benefits of the study before enrollment and with past participants about their previous experiences
Connect with the study personnel by telephone and in-person to address questions or concerns
Text messages, e-mails, telephone calls, and face-to-face conversations 
During participation Treated as a partner by study personnel
Lodging and travel expenses covered if needed
Study personnel keep their regular physician informed of their progress and health
Participation has little to no impact on personal/day-to-day life
Study clinic environments are welcoming and have amenities such as television and Wi-Fi
Those enrolled can stay on their existing medication(s)
Compensation provided throughout the study as opposed to just at the end
Only minimally invasive procedures are required
Access to mental health support, support groups, and other resources 
Materials to explain the study to others
Progress updates (individual and study)
Who to contact with questions
How patients will be kept safe must be made clear
What data are being collected and what is being done with it
What role they play in the process 
Access to a 24/7 hotline for questions
Meet regularly with the study physician as well as their personal physician
Mobile apps and patient platforms could help communicate important information
Text message reminders for appointments
Visual aids to explain procedures
Follow-up telephone calls from the study staff to check in 
After participation Free access to the drug (if study is a success)
Access to long-term care and follow-up
Trial sponsor re-invests in the SCD community by sponsoring events or offering scholarships
Receive support during the transition to regular standard clinical care
Access to counseling sessions
Receive recognition for participation
Results of the study are communicated to personal physician 
Results of the study and personal results/progress in plain language
Understand how their participation made a difference
What was learned about any new side effects
Drug approval status and next steps
Information about future trial opportunities
How privacy will be maintained in the future 
Study results and personal results are e-mailed or sent via surface mail
Facetime, in-person, and telephone call follow-ups
Public service announcement or media broadcasts of results
In-person meetings or conferences to learn more about results and connect with others 
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