What constitutes a 'clinical trial'?: A survey of oncology professionals
2008

What is a Clinical Trial? A Survey of Oncology Professionals

Sample size: 66 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wright James R, Kowaleski Brenda, Sussman Jonathan

Primary Institution: McMaster University

Hypothesis

How do oncology professionals interpret the definition of a clinical trial?

Conclusion

Oncology professionals have a broad and inclusive definition of what constitutes a clinical trial, highlighting the need for a standardized definition.

Supporting Evidence

  • 54% of surveys were completed by oncology professionals.
  • Without a standardized definition, all studies were considered clinical trials by at least 50% of respondents.
  • Only 6 out of 12 studies were considered clinical trials by the majority when using the CCO definition.

Takeaway

Doctors and nurses have different ideas about what a clinical trial is, and they often agree on what counts as one, but not always.

Methodology

A survey was conducted among physicians and nurses at a cancer center to assess their definitions of clinical trials.

Potential Biases

Responses may be biased based on the professional roles of the respondents.

Limitations

The survey had a low response rate and was limited in scope.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 32 physicians and 34 nurses, with a majority aged between 35 and 55.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1745-6215-9-12

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