Pharma Blog Watch

Lawsuits Against Clinical Trials (Envisioning 2.0)
In his blog, Fard Johnmar discusses an increase in class action lawsuits filed by clinical trial subjects, citing an article in the American Bar Association publication. This trend has implications for patient communications. "From time to time, communications firms clients ask them to help recruit patients — especially minorities — to participate in studies. If this article is any indication, communicators should be aware that patients are suing companies engaged in clinical trials and take additional steps to ensure that participants understand" risks, their rights and their role in the trial.

"Much of this information is already provided to patients. However, with health literacy levels so low in the general population, it is very important to provide materials that people from all educational levels and backgrounds can understand," he writes.