Variables Influencing Willingness to Consent to Low-Risk Study

Abstract

Including diverse populations in clinical research is essential for generalizable findings. Prior studies show lower consent rates among vulnerable populations in higher-risk studies, but whether these trends apply to minimal-risk studies has not been explored. This study investigated factors influencing consent to a musculoskeletal ultrasound study for extremity injuries in the emergency department. Demographic characteristics, injury severity, interpreter use, and researcher-patient racial concordance were compared between those who consented and declined. Patients were more likely to decline if they were admitted to the hospital (p = 0.002) or had a displaced fracture (displaced-nondisplaced: p = 0.032; displaced-no fracture: p = 0.009). Younger patients (<45 years) most often declined due to pain, while older patients (>45 years) primarily cited lack of interest (p = 0.04). Although not statistically significant, Black and Hispanic patients most often declined for lack of interest. Older adults’ lower interest highlights the need to increase research participation in this underrepresented population.