Clinicians’ Attitudes Towards Clinical Trials of Cancer Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Ford E, Jenkins V, Fallowfield L, Stuart N, Farewell D, Farewell V
Primary Institution: Cancer Research UK Psychosocial Oncology Group, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex
Hypothesis
What are the attitudes and practices of cancer clinicians towards clinical trials?
Conclusion
The study provides insights into clinicians’ attitudes towards clinical trials, which can inform training interventions to improve patient accrual.
Supporting Evidence
- Physicians prioritize prolonging a patient's life more than surgeons.
- Clinicians at specialist centers are more positive about trials with no-treatment arms.
- Research orientation was higher in physicians than surgeons.
Takeaway
Doctors who treat cancer often have different opinions about clinical trials, and understanding these can help get more patients involved in research.
Methodology
A survey using the Clinicians’ Attitudes to Clinical Trials Questionnaire was completed by clinicians involved in an intervention study.
Potential Biases
The attitudes expressed may be more favorable towards research due to the exclusion of MDTs with no trial experience.
Limitations
The study may not represent the general clinical population as only clinicians from recognized cancer MDTs were included.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 47 surgeons, 28 oncologists, 9 haematologists, and 3 chest physicians from various cancer MDTs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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