Facilitating accrual to cancer control and supportive care trials: The clinical research associate perspective
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
12-31-2013
Journal
BMC Medical Research Methodology
Volume
13
Issue
1
DOI
10.1186/1471-2288-13-154
Keywords
Accrual; Cancer control; Clinical research associate; Clinical trial; Supportive care
Abstract
Background: Accrual to Cancer Control and Supportive Care (CCL) studies can be challenging. Our objective was to identify facilitators and perceived barriers to successful Children's Oncology Group (COG) CCL accrual from the clinical research associate (CRA) perspective. Methods. A survey was developed that focused on the following features from the institutional perspective: (1) Components of successful accrual; (2) Barriers to accrual; (3) Institutional changes that could enhance accrual; and (4) How COG could facilitate accrual. The survey was distributed to the lead CRA at each COG site with at least 2 CCL accruals within the previous year. The written responses were classified into themes and sub-themes. Results: 57 sites in the United States (n = 52) and Canada (n = 5) were contacted; 34 (60%) responded. The four major themes were: (1) Staff presence and dynamics; (2) Logistics including adequate numbers of eligible patients; (3) Interests and priorities; and (4) Resources. Suggestions for improvement began at the study design/conception stage, and included ongoing training/support and increased reimbursement or credit for successful CCL enrollment. Conclusions: The comments resulted in suggestions to facilitate CCL trials in the future. Soliciting input from key team members in the clinical trials process is important to maximizing accrual rates. © 2013 VanHoff et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
APA Citation
Vanhoff, D., Hesser, T., Kelly, K., Freyer, D., Stork, S., & Sung, L. (2013). Facilitating accrual to cancer control and supportive care trials: The clinical research associate perspective. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 13 (1). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-13-154