Background: Accepted practices of informed consent often result in suboptimal patient understanding of research studies.
Methods: This pilot study aimed to assess trial-specific tailored materials, compared to a widely used generic booklet about clinical trials, randomly assigned to 118 candidates for cancer clinical trials. Study outcomes were: satisfaction with decision-making; satisfaction with materials; and subjective understanding of the clinical trial.
Results: There were no major differences between groups. Participants rated tailored materials higher as a useful reference.
Conclusions: Trial-specific materials hold utility for reference during clinical trials. Studies of informed consent are feasible, although important factors limit research.