Participants’ Perspectives on Weight Loss Intervention Trial Before Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Key Findings
Patients with excess weight awaiting colorectal cancer surgery were motivated by the offer of structured weight loss support that could potentially improve their surgical outcomes. However, concerns about the potential unpalatability of the intervention diet and side effects were also expressed. Positive attitudes of clinicians towards the trial facilitated recruitment, but participants were disappointed when they were randomized to usual care due to clinical teams’ overemphasis on the benefits of losing weight.
Practical Solutions and Value
The study highlights the importance of balanced communication of equipoise to minimize disappointment from randomization to usual care and differential dropout from the trial. This emphasizes the need for clear and comprehensive information for patients to make informed decisions about trial participation.
Clinical Trial Registration
ISRCTN39207707, Registration date 13/03/2023
