Randomised controlled trials in learning disabilities: a review of participant experiences

Abstract

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the bedrock of evidence‐based practice. However, they raise important issues about participant recruitment and the ethics of group allocation. In this article we report relevant literature on how participants with learning disabilities and other stakeholders experience RCTs. Five quantitative studies have been published, one reporting on the views of people with learning disabilities and the remainder on carers' views. Despite the methodological limitations of the studies, carers appear to have a positive experience of RCT participation, and people with learning disabilities are able to understand certain aspects of research methods. We conclude that stakeholders are not hostile to RCTs, but the therapeutic misconception may affect their experiences. Further research is required to investigate interventions that might help promote RCTs in learning disabilities.

Citation

Robotham, D. and Hassiotis, A. (2009), "Randomised controlled trials in learning disabilities: a review of participant experiences", Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 42-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/17530180200900008