Applicability of NINDS-sponsored studies to community-based physician involvement.

Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2008
Authors
Lindblad, A S; Clemons, T; Lindblad, R W; Sykes, R; Meador, K J; Odenkirchen, J C; Hart, R G
Secondary
Neurology
Volume
70
Pagination
1688-90
Date Published
2008 May 06
Keywords
Biomedical Research; Clinical Trials as Topic; Community Health Centers; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Mass Screening; National Institutes of Health (U.S.); neurology; Patient Selection; physicians; Research Support as Topic; United States
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Clinical Trials Group established the Clinical Research Collaboration (CRC) Project in 2005 to increase community-based physician involvement in NINDS-sponsored research.

METHODS: We assessed a random sample of 112 of the more than 1,000 current NINDS-sponsored clinical research studies to determine which could involve community physicians in enrollment or follow-up. Scoring factors were based on the premise that participation is feasible for noninvasive studies with simple screening, and follow-up criteria and visit frequency consistent with usual care. Scored studies included 26 Phase III, 31 Phase I/II, and 55 nonclinical trials.

RESULTS: Overall, 41% of the sampled research studies were considered conducive to community physician participation that exceeds referral only; 21% with participation in all study activities and 20% with ability to provide some follow-up. Specialized neuropsychological or neurologic scale testing was judged to exclude community physician participation in 16% of studies.

CONCLUSION: Many National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke studies are available in which community-based physicians could participate. Involving community physicians may increase efficiency of completing clinical research and encourage application of research findings in community practices.