Abstract

Although health care providers are integral to the recruitment and enrollment of cancer patients in clinical trials, there is limited literature which has explored the differences between personal and practice characteristics of providers who participate and do not participate in clinical trials. Because little is known about these differences, this exploratory study sought to better understand the perceived barriers to participation among New York State providers. One hundred health care providers responded to the online survey. Respondents were predominantly male, between the ages of 50 and 64, White, have practiced for more than 20 years, and spoke only English. About half have conducted or been involved in a clinical trial. More than half reported that there are barriers to their participation in clinical research including time constraints, personnel needs, infrastructural needs, and a lack of access. While more research, with a larger sample is needed, this study provides evidence to the many of barriers providers face when considering their participation in clinical trials, with infrastructure being the most major. Findings suggest that infrastructural and personnel support could potentially increase clinical trial participation by health care providers.

Keywords: Clinical trials, health care providers, cancer