Two-thirds of surveyed parents would want to participate in a randomized control trial comparing two doses of antenatal corticosteroids to a single dose and matching placebo

Abstract

Objectives Objective: Animal research strongly suggests that a single dose of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) is as effective at maturing preterm lungs as double doses; however, a human randomized control trial (RCT) is urgently needed. A parent-to-parent video was made to introduce an RCT examining whether the standard two doses of ACS are non-inferior to a single dose (and matching placebo) given to women at risk of early birth, with short-term neonatal outcomes and long-term follow-up of neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18-24 months. Our objective was to assess parents’ views on 1) likelihood of participation in the RCT and 2) potential barriers and facilitators to participation. Methods Study methods: The survey was developed by a multidisciplinary team including parent partners, user-tested with three parents and modified. From August-November 2020, we conducted an online survey of Canadian parents whose infants were exposed to ACS. Results are reported according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Results Results: Two thirds (22/33) of participants indicated they were either likely or very likely to participate in the RCT. The majority (87%) liked or strongly liked the video. The most commonly mentioned facilitator of participation in the RCT was the video s parent-to-parent focus. The most commonly mentioned barriers were recruitment during a stressful time and a need for more information on risks. Conclusions Conclusion: After watching our parent-to-parent video, 67% of parents indicated they would participate in an RCT comparing the double doses of ACS to a single dose, indicating high parental interest in participating in the RCT.