Multi-centre clinical respiratory research: a new approach?

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Trials
• Medical Research

Background:

• British Thoracic Society (BTS) clinical trial recruitment has decreased.
• Increasing workloads for National Health Service (NHS) consultant physicians are suspected as a primary cause.
• Two studies were conducted to investigate the causes and potential solutions for this decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors hindering consultant physician participation in BTS-organized clinical trials.
• To propose and evaluate a solution for maintaining clinical research productivity amidst workload pressures.
• To address the most critical research questions in respiratory medicine through multi-centre trials.

Main Methods:

• Study 1: A questionnaire survey distributed to BTS members assessed deterrents to clinical trial participation on a 0-5 scale.
• Study 2: 13 expert panels designed multi-centre clinical trial projects in respiratory medicine.
• Projects were scored by BTS consultant members on scientific merit and patient recruitment potential.

Main Results:

• Study 1: 77% of responding consultants cited time constraints due to increasing demands as the main reason for non-participation.
• Study 2: 40% of consultants returned scores for the proposed projects.
• Three projects were selected for subsequent grant applications.

Conclusions:

• UK clinical research faces significant challenges due to consultant workload pressures.
• A national strategy for commissioning major clinical research projects is proposed as a viable solution.
• This approach could enable consultants to contribute to answering key research questions within time limitations.