Awareness of biobanking among patients and doctors: experience of the Tomsk Oblast

Abstract

Aim. To assess awareness of biobanking among patients and healthcare professionals, and to identify factors influencing willingness to become donors and participate in the collection of biological material.Material and methods. A qualitative study was conducted based on semi-structured interviews of doctors (n=11) and patients (n=11) of Tomsk medical organizations. The results obtained were processed using lexical and comparative analysis techniques.Results. The experience of participation in biobanking was extremely limited among both patients and doctors, but those who had previous experience evaluated it positively. Patients and doctors had not received information about biobanks from official sources, but intuitively understood their functions and roles in biomedical research. Patients were willing to donate biomaterials, while doctors were willing to collect them, but both parties emphasized the importance of understanding the purpose and future use of the biomaterials. Patients wanted to ensure the safety of the collection procedures and the confidentiality of their personal data. The main motives for donating biomaterial were contribution to scientific development, potential attractiveness for the descendants of donors, social origin and material reward.Conclusion. Popularizing biobanking and increasing the awareness of donors and healthcare professionals about the regulatory framework governing biobanking activities can help establish trust and enhance readiness for donation, even regarding invasive biomaterial collection procedures.