Publicly sponsored clinical research also does a better job of seeking outside input on research priorities and communicating research results to the public, according to the audience of mostly patient advocates and research sponsors. Almost half of those polled said the current system of setting priorities among private research sponsors doesn’t work “at all,” while 73 percent said the current system for providing input to privately sponsored clinical research was not effective.

Nearly half of the audience thought the greatest risk to clinical research subjects came in the informed consent process, compared to privacy considerations and actual injury or illness as the result of study participation. Almost 60 percent of those polled said that press coverage of clinical research tends to be negative.

The audience members were also concerned about financial conflicts of interest for clinical researchers. Two-thirds of the participants felt researchers should declare any financial interests, even those of less than $5,000.

To see the full results from the audience polls, go here.