What is "the therapeutic misconception"?

The therapeutic misconception refers specifically to the belief that participation in clinical trials guarantees a therapeutic benefit for the participant. This misconception can lead individuals to enroll in clinical trials under the false impression that the primary purpose of the trial is to provide them with therapeutic care, rather than to gather data for research purposes.

Participants may confuse the aim of the clinical trial—often to test the safety or efficacy of a new treatment or intervention—with the idea that they will receive treatment that is tailored to their personal medical needs. It is crucial for researchers and healthcare professionals to clearly communicate the distinction between research and treatment, ensuring that participants understand that while they may receive some form of treatment during the trial, the primary goal is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of that treatment in a larger population.

This understanding highlights the ethical requirement of informed consent, which must ensure that participants are fully aware of the potential risks and benefits, as well as the investigative nature of the clinical trial.