Barriers and facilitators to enrollment in cancer clinical trials - Qualitative study of the perspectives of clinical research associates

被引:106
作者
Grunfeld, E [1 ]
Zitzelsberger, L [1 ]
Coristine, M [1 ]
Aspelund, F [1 ]
机构
[1] Ottawa Reg Canc Ctr, Ottawa Hlth Res Inst, Ottawa, ON K1H 1C4, Canada
关键词
patient participation; clinician participation; clinical trials; barriers to participation; neoplasms;
D O I
10.1002/cncr.10862
中图分类号
R73 [肿瘤学];
学科分类号
100214 ;
摘要
BACKGROUND. The literature continues to report low rates of accrual to cancer clinical trials. Previous studies have examined principally physician-related or patient-related barriers. Clinical research associates (CRAB) have a unique perspective on enrollment that has been explored very little. This study sought the views of CRAB on barriers and facilitators to accrual. METHODS. Focus groups were held at six of eight tertiary cancer centers in Ontario, Canada. Audiotapes of sessions were transcribed and subjected to content analysis by two of the authors. Emergent themes were identified. These themes are illustrated by representative quotes taken from the transcripts. RESULTS. Factors that acted as barriers or facilitators were classified into physician-related, patient-related, or system-related factors. CRAB identified physician attitudes regarding patient participation as the principal physician-related barrier. Barriers, facilitators, and modifying factors that were related to patient involvement were discussed by CRAB. Patients seemed more knowledgeable about trials than in the past and were willing to participate. System factors were considered to have the greatest impact on the ability to accrue. CRAB identified increasing trial and pharmaceutical demands coupled with tight trial time lines. Time was seen as a diminishing resource. Greater demands not only affect specific clinical trial accrual but also affect general support for trials in the cancer center and hospital. CONCLUSIONS. The impact of greater demands in a climate of decreasing health care resources is perceived by CRAB as having a negative affect on accrual. Consequently, the important process of translating potentially beneficial basic research findings into clinical practice is slowed.
引用
收藏
页码:1577 / 1583
页数:7
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