Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little research has been undertaken into the factors affecting recruitment by Australian general practitioners of patients for clinical trials. Understanding the differences between recruiters and non-recruiters will assist researchers in better supporting general practitioners involved in such research. METHOD: A survey of general practitioners involved in recruiting patients for clinical trials for the RACGP Research Program was undertaken. RESULTS: Recruiters were more likely to be interested in learning more about research, to perceive involvement as worthwhile, to desire a good relationship with Research Program staff and to feel the doctor-patient relationship assists recruitment. DISCUSSION: Recruiters in general are average general practitioners, male, middle-aged and work in group practices. Most felt some discomfort in recruiting patients, but believed the strong doctor-patient relationship assisted in the process. CONCLUSION: The Research Program needs to recruit general practitioners interested in research, choose topics of interest, keep recruitment protocols simple and stay in contact.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 86-88 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Australian Family Physician |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |