P2‐273: Determinants of physician referrals to participate in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials
Year: 2008
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Despite the growing prevalence of Alzheimer disease (AD), recruitment into clinical trials is a problem faced by many clinical research centers. The majority of dementia patients are first evaluated by community physicians; however, physician perceptions of clinical research are unknown. Addressing this gap in understanding may improve clinical trial recruitment. A survey was distributed to 3,123 physicians in three states to assess internet use and perceptions of referral for clinical trials; 355 completed surveys were returned (12%). Survey items included accessing medical information via the internet and perceived benefits and barriers toward referral to clinical research. Logistic regression models examined predictors of clinical trial referral. The mean age of respondents was 50.6 ± 10.8y; 70% were male, 78% Caucasian, 61% primary care providers; 63% used the internet >3 times/wk in their practice. No demographic differences were discovered between those who were likely (n=193) and unlikely to refer (n=162) for participation in a clinical trial. The fully adjusted, step-wise logistic model suggested that referral to clinical trials by community physicians is related to close proximity to a teaching hospital (OR:4.0, 95%CI:1.1–15.6) and availability of internet information regarding diagnostic evaluation (OR:2.3, 95%CI:1.1–4.7). Primary barriers to referral included concerns about exposure of patients to uncomfortable tests and procedures (OR:4.7, 95%CI:1.2–18.7) and lack of time to discuss research participation (OR:6.8, 95%CI:1.4–32.3) Proximity to a research center and adequate clinical tools for diagnostic decision making are strong predictors of clinical trial referral. Concern over risks and lack of time are strong barriers to referral. These results suggest that dementia outreach education should include an emphasis on: a) informing physicians on the importance of clinical trials in finding effective treatments, b) how to discuss research participation with patients and families in a time-efficient manner, and c) increasing awareness of importance and safety of tests and procedures that are likely to be required for research participation. Providing easy access to up-to-date and user-friendly educational materials on dementia diagnosis, treatment and care via the internet are likely to improve referrals of patients to AD clinical trials from the community.
Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia
Language: English
Topic: Ethics in Clinical Research
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2039002764