PHP108 - Perceptions And Barriers To Participation In Clinical Research Of Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

The number of physicians willing to participate in clinical research has been on the decline in the US and Europe for the last decade. This trend is contrary to projected research needs as a result of expanded regulatory requirements for post-marketing studies of new drugs and devices and the need for more comparative effectiveness data. The problem is further magnified when considering the need for research data from the front lines of primary medical care, where the majority of patients receive their initial and ongoing care. The primary objective of this study is to assess primary care physician (PCP) perceptions toward practice-based clinical research and identify barriers they face when deciding to participate in projects. A web-based survey was distributed to over 4000 PCPs over a 30-day period. Respondents were asked about demographics, practice type, practice size, and prior clinical research experience. Respondents were divided into two cohorts based on prior research experience. Respondents were asked to evaluate the value of clinical research and barriers to participation. Survey responses were received from 109 PCPs, who were divided into two cohorts based on overall research experience. The cohorts were well matched for age, gender, specialty, practice size, and patient volume. Approximately 40% of sites with minimal research experience responded negatively to the value of clinical research, its impact on patient care or benefit to patients. Over 50% reported that and that their patients would not be interested in participation in research, regardless of study design, nor would they be willing to refer patients to physicians conducting research in which they patient could benefit. Sponsors must work more diligently to demonstrate the value of practice-based research and create incentives in order to recruit community-based physicians for clinical research studies.