Therapeutic Misconception

Therapeutic misconception occurs when individuals participating in a clinical trial mistakenly believe that the primary purpose of the research is to directly benefit them personally, similar to standard medical treatment. In reality, research studies aim to gather data to evaluate new treatments' safety and effectiveness for future patients. This misunderstanding can lead participants to overestimate the potential benefits and underestimate the risks involved, highlighting the importance of clear communication by researchers to ensure participants understand the true purpose of the trial.