The Incentive Bias: Subject Underreporting of Adverse Drug Effects

Authors

  • Matthew Breton McMaster University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/m.v1i27.961

Abstract

I discuss my experience participating in a clinical trial and my encounters with other subjects. Through this unique position I gained the perspective of the typical study participant, which led to the discovery of fears which deter subjects from reporting symptoms. This incentive bias is caused by the financial duress of many participants, resulting in a high incentive to complete the study. Changes in health go unreported reported which skews adverse drug reaction data and leads to additional costs imposed to healthcare. Clinical trials should strive to eliminate incentive bias to improve the transparency and increase reporting fidelity.

Author Biography

Matthew Breton, McMaster University

Bachelor of Health Sciences, Class of 2016.

References

Bent S, Padula A, Avins AL. Better ways to question patients about adverse medical events. Ann. Intern. Med. 144, 257-261 (2006).

Martin RM, Kapoor KV, Wilton LV, Mann RD. Under-reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions to newly marketed ('black triangle') drugs in general practice: observational study. BMJ 317, 119-120 (1998).

Ioannidis JP, Evans SJ, Gotzsche PC, O’Neill RT, Altman DG, Schulz K, et al. Better reporting of harms in randomized trials: an extension of the CONSORT statement. Ann Intern Med. 141:781-8 (2004).

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Clinical Safety Data Management: Definitions and Standards for Expedited Reporting (1995)

Published

2016-03-05

How to Cite

1.
Breton M. The Incentive Bias: Subject Underreporting of Adverse Drug Effects. M [Internet]. 2016 Mar. 5 [cited 2024 Apr. 26];1(27). Available from: https://journals.mcmaster.ca/meducator/article/view/961

Issue

Section

Opinion