EXPLAIN Initiative

The EXPLAIN initiative seeks to create a repository of animations that can be easily be accessed by UKCRC-registered clinical trials units.

Background

It is important that everyone who might be suitable for a clinical trial is given the opportunity to learn and understand what it is about, to be able to then consider if they wish to participate. Every trial is different, each one will answer a different question. Information provided about a trial tends to focus on the things that are special about that trial. However, for every trial there are some things that are the same across trials and participants may have questions about these, for example–how are participants put into the treatment groups, how many people are needed to take part to get the answer to the question.

Explainer Animations

Traditionally information about trials is provided as paper leaflets or as a webpage on the internet. Leaflets are not the best way of making sure that things are understood, many people prefer visual information (animations or short videos e.g. 90 seconds). One way of providing information is by the use of animations that clearly explain things – these are called Explainer Animations (EAs).

Working with patients and members of the public

Clinical trials units (organisations used to deliver trials in a professional manner) in the UK take widely different approaches in the delivery of information. The EXPLAIN Initiative plans to identify at least three topics that patients and members of the public feel would benefit from short EA. Once these topics have been identified through surveying researchers and the public, we will work with patients and public to produce explainer animations that will be available in the three most used languages in the UK and make them available to all of the academic UK clinical trials units free of charge for use in their studies. These EAs should help individuals fully understand what taking part in a trial means. People who understand what is going on are also more likely to remain in the trial, ensuring that the important medical question is answered.