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BMC Medical Research Methodology
Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Patient enrollment and logistical problems top the list of difficulties in clinical research: a cross-sectional survey

Authors: Stéphane Cullati, Delphine S. Courvoisier, Angèle Gayet-Ageron, Guy Haller, Olivier Irion, Thomas Agoritsas, Sandrine Rudaz, Thomas V. Perneger

Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Many medical research projects encounter difficulties. The objective of this study was to assess the self-reported frequency of difficulties encountered by medical researchers while conducting research and to identify factors associated with their occurrence.

Methods

The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2010 among principal investigators of 996 study protocols approved by the Research Ethics Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, between 2001 and 2005. The authors asked principal investigators to rate the level of difficulty (1: none, to 5: very great) encountered across the research process.

Results

588 questionnaires were sent back (participation rate 59.0 %). 391 (66.5 %) studies were completed at the time of the survey. Investigators reported that the most frequent difficulties were related to patient enrollment (44.3 %), data collection (26.7 %), data analysis and interpretation (21.5 %), collaboration with caregivers (21.0 %), study design (20.4 %), publication in peer-reviewed journal (20.2 %), hiring of competent study personnel (20.2 %), and getting funding (19.2 %). On average, investigators reported 2.8 difficulties per project (SD 2.8, range 0 to 12). In multivariable analysis, the number of difficulties was higher for studies initiated by public sponsors (vs. private), single center studies (vs. multicenter), and studies about treatment, diagnosis or prognosis (i.e., clinical vs. other studies).

Conclusions

Medical researchers reported substantial logistical difficulties in conducting clinical research.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Patient enrollment and logistical problems top the list of difficulties in clinical research: a cross-sectional survey
Authors
Stéphane Cullati
Delphine S. Courvoisier
Angèle Gayet-Ageron
Guy Haller
Olivier Irion
Thomas Agoritsas
Sandrine Rudaz
Thomas V. Perneger
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medical Research Methodology / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-016-0151-1

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