Factors that influence trust in non-standard stem cell therapies among patients with musculoskeletal conditions: a qualitative, constructivist grounded theory study

ABSTRACT Aims Stem cell interventions (SCIs) are an exciting area of regenerative medicine (RM) that may offer improved outcomes for many patients, including those suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. They can also raise regulatory tensions and policy challenges, including how to manage direct-to-consumer markets where nonstandard SCIs – those falling outside the standard of care and lacking sufficient evidence of safety or efficacy – are sold. Ongoing regulatory reform efforts in several countries, including Canada, to address these and other related...